Arrow Making and Indian Relics

 

Arrow Making and Indian Relics in "WV Anthology.pdf"

The sources provide a fascinating glimpse into the practice of arrow making, particularly the creation of arrowheads, and their status as Indian relics. While the text primarily focuses on other aspects of West Virginia history, a specific section in Chapter V, titled "Indian Relics," sheds light on this topic.

Arrowhead Making - A Blend of Ingenuity and Simplicity:

• Emphasis on Skill and Resourcefulness: The text highlights the remarkable skill and ingenuity of Native Americans in crafting arrowheads using readily available materials. It describes the process as requiring "no great skill," emphasizing the inherent resourcefulness of these early artisans. This suggests that arrowhead making was a common practice, passed down through generations and ingrained in their way of life.
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• Flint as the Material of Choice: Flint, a hard, fine-grained sedimentary rock known for its ability to fracture into sharp edges, is identified as the primary material used for crafting arrowheads. The text suggests that the widespread availability of flint contributed to its popularity, making it a practical and accessible resource for Native American tribes.
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• A Simple Yet Effective Technique: The source describes a straightforward yet effective technique employed by Native Americans to shape flint into arrowheads. By applying pressure with a "smaller piece of flint," they would chip away at the stone, gradually forming the desired shape. This method, though seemingly rudimentary, allowed for precision and control, as evidenced by the symmetrical and often intricate designs found on recovered arrowheads.

Arrowheads as Indian Relics - Windows into the Past:

• Prevalence of Arrowheads: The text notes the abundance of arrowheads discovered in the region, stating that "a large number of these are lying around". This prevalence speaks to the historical significance of arrow making as a vital aspect of Native American culture and survival.
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• Historical Markers: The presence of these artifacts serves as a tangible link to the region's Native American past. Each arrowhead discovered represents a piece of history, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who once inhabited these lands.
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• A Source of Fascination and Study: The text suggests a growing interest in studying and understanding Indian relics, with collectors and historians recognizing their value as artifacts. The detailed description of arrowhead-making techniques suggests an attempt to reconstruct and preserve this traditional knowledge for future generations.

Beyond the Text - A Broader Perspective:

It's worth noting that the sources provide a limited snapshot of a complex and multifaceted topic. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of arrow making and Indian relics, further research is recommended. Exploring archaeological findings, anthropological studies, and accounts from Native American communities would provide a richer and more nuanced perspective on this significant aspect of Native American history and culture.