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Photos: Russell Cave Flaker photos - FREE RESEARCH INFORMATION for flintknapper

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AncientTech:






(INVESTIGATIONS IN RUSSELL CAVE, Publications in Archeology 13, By John W. Griffin)

nclonghunter:
Thanks Ben, some great info in those pictures......
Without being able to examine the antlers first hand, the antler tip listed as "L" does not appear to have been used for anything. Many of the antler tips I see in pictures do not look like they have been used for flaking. The antler drifts which are shaped and do show use. The antler tip in "L" makes me think they were going to be used after being shaped. The one pictured looks like it was simply broken off the main beam rather than sawed. I guess I am saying it is an early stage drift punch.
I did a web search and looked at artifacts found at the Russel Cave which they say date from paleo to mississippian. One picture shown had an antler piece very closely matching the one you have been showing. The smaller tine end appeared to be decayed some but very close. They also said all the artifacts in the museum are reproductions of originals so the originals could be preserved. The museum also only has a tiny bit represented of what was found. All artifacts found are in Tallahasee Florida in controlled environment.
It would be amazing to see all of the hidden artifacts in the Smithsonian and other museums. At one time I would have focused on bows,arrows and hide tanning but now I would have to add knapping tools.

nclonghunter:
http://www.google.com/search?q=russell+cave+artifacts&client=safari&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjVmdjtxMfJAhXHGx4KHbv8Bp4Q_AUICCgB&biw=1024&bih=672#hl=en&tbm=isch&q=russell+cave+arrowheads&imgrc=YOX2BYD9nyiINM%3A

This may work....

AncientTech:
Hello NClonghunter,

The link worked, and the individual picture came up.

I have used other tines that look like "l" in very late stage removals, at a finishing level.  Thirteen antler tines were classified as flakers.  Also, I believe Russell Cave holds some of the earliest records of antler cylinders.  My guess is that they are about 7500 years old.  I tried to pull the information up in Google Books, but am having trouble accessing the site.

In general, in both North America, and Mesoamerica, when a tine tip shows signs of blunting, along with end striations, nicks, and cuts, it is believed that the tool was used in indirect percussion flaking of flint. 

nclonghunter:
Hey Ben,

end striations, nicks, and cuts, it is believed that the tool was used in indirect percussion flaking of flint. 

I would have to think that tine tips were used as pressure flakers rather than indirect percussion but there's a lot I dont know. I am talking about the very tip ends, back up an inch and start getting into indirect percussion strength....basing this on what I have been able to do. Had better results with small pointed antler for pressure and heavier larger for indirect. Just my opinion.

Is there a book or website that shows a lot of the finds in the Russel Cave?

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