Photos 14
These three tools have the same attribute, that when held in the hand, are balanced so that you are able to produce an almost "motorized" rapid rocking motion. They have points that protrude like wear bits, see left side of each tool in group. Based on my observations of modern day flintknappers, I wonder if these were for that purpose. Two were found together near a several pound block of flint in the residential Clintonville area of Columbus, on a ravine hill overlooking an Olentangy river tributary. The third (middle one in group picture) was found in a field near Buckeye Lake Ohio, amongst flint debitage.
(Top tool from above photo) This tool has a handle that cradels the thumb and index finger. There is a hole in the tool right where your index finger goes. I see holes used like this to provide improved grip and control of tools.
(Middle tool from above group) As held...
(Bottom tool from above group) This tool has grip pads for the thumb and index finger. The wear tip has been broken/worn down.
Above pictured tool showing hole in tool for middle finger tip to rest in
(Top tool from above photo) This tool has a handle that cradels the thumb and index finger. There is a hole in the tool right where your index finger goes. I see holes used like this to provide improved grip and control of tools.
(Middle tool from above group) As held...
(Bottom tool from above group) This tool has grip pads for the thumb and index finger. The wear tip has been broken/worn down.
Above pictured tool showing hole in tool for middle finger tip to rest in
Hammerstones used to produce large flakes or blanks from a larger stone. The flakes would be worked by a large assortment of related tools before becoming the finished product. The third picture from the top, see how there is curved place toward the 'tip'? Bring your thumb on around and put the majority of weight in your palm so that just an inch or less is protruding of that curved tip – which will be pointing skyward. Bring the tip up approximately 45 degrees and strike so that the force is transferred to no more than say 1/64th inch of an impact point on the broad curve area. This allows and puts all the weight of the stone into the impact yet concentrates/restricts the blow force to precision engineering. It doesn’t look like it, but it is a precision instrument. That one is pretty rough looking though it still produces the same results. Much of the others pictured are very unique and nice hammerstones.
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