It’s a steamy July in the summer I turn eleven. The hot sun is beating down on a broad field of sandy soil, where I tramp down a quarter-mile-long row of green tobacco plants, cutting off the secondary stems from each plant so the main leaves can grow.
There’s a cold watermelon waiting for the field workers at the end of the row. I plod toward it and continue to lop off the suckers, as we call the unwanted stems.
Then I see it, a thin, wedge-shaped piece of blue flint. An arrowhead. When I pick it up and wipe away the dried dirt, I can’t help but gaze in wonder at the craftsmanship, or to imagine its story. Who made it? Who used it?
Being the bookish sort, the relic means much more to me than just a neat-looking curiosity. At the first opportunity, I locate books on Indian artifacts at the High Point Public Library.
Many people think the Indian artifacts they stumble upon in farms, gardens, and construction sites are a few hundred years old. In fact, the Palmer point I found was over 8,000 years old, a testament to the enduring legacy of the first North American inhabitants.
Over the years, I continued to search for relics and accumulated a sizable collection. What began as an escape from drudgery turned into a lifetime hobby that not only taught me a lot of history, but also introduced me to primitive weapons. More important, it gave me an appreciation for both Native American culture and fine craftsmanship.
For example, the grooved ax in the first image was a formidable weapon and vital tool. The disc scraper shown immediately above required a great deal of pressure flaking from a skilled hand. The Kirk Serrated point beside it may have functioned as a saw. Running my finger over its barbs, I can’t help but appreciate its usefulness and beauty. It reveals the patient work of an experienced artisan, a product of a long tradition of craftsmanship.
Lesson learned: Every landscape conceals hidden wonders, not to mention forgotten stories waiting to be discovered.
M.C. Tuggle, Writer 
Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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I appreciate the reblog!
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Thank you as well! xx Michael
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Thank you for sharing information about this very interesting topic. Have a nice week ahead. xx Michael
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Indeed, the world is full of mystery, wonder and awe waiting to be found:)
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Andrew,
So true. We just have to look hard enough.
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Some interesting stuff you’ve come upon. Excellent post my friend…
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Don,
Thank you, sir!
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I’ll just echo “A Pondering Mind.” Excellent post.
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Alie,
Thank you!
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How many layers under are buried of information and understanding, we can only wonder. Thank you, even though first place i really thought of India 🙂
Nara x
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Narayan,
It’s true that countless layers are hidden, waiting to be discovered.
And yes, you can blame Columbus for thinking he had arrived in India, and gave the natives the name “Indian.”
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haha, here we are happy for colombus; even though Vasco made a cake out of reaching India, trumpeting of discovering it.
Thanks Mike.
Narayan x
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I grew up near a river that had many arrowheads and flint. Every time we found one, it was like finding the golden egg at Easter. I have tried to instill that same excitement in my children because, as you point out, they tell a story of those who were here long before us.
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Josh,
Kids need connections to the past, and definitely an appreciation of mystery.
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These are very small pieces of the big wonders present in India… If u loved them, you must visit india once. You would love the big ancient temples here.
Malvika
@www.soultosoulvibes.in
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