When I was in 8th grade I found a dart point on the edge of the newly built ball field. I was running laps during track practice and that dark shiny object caused me to stop and investigate. This was an epiphany in my life; a split second chance happening that changed everything that would follow. Its effects didn’t happen right away, but later is when I was much older. The shadow of that event was like a hard shelled seed fallen to the ground waiting to germinate and blossom when the right conditions made it favorable.
I held that point in my sweaty hand for the next few days, even at night when I went to bed. I wanted so much to know about the person who made that object that I dreamed about him. When my son Peter was learning how to read I took him to the local library to peruse the books in the children’s section. Meanwhile I took the opportunity to read everything I could in the section of the shelves dedicated to archaeology and anthropology. It was that point that drew me into reading all those books. I now know that it was a mid archaic point made by a man who lived along the Susquehanna River perhaps a dozen or more centuries ago. Part of the spirit of that man who shot that atlatl dart so many centuries ago was reborn in me and made me into who I am today.
Great story! My mother was raised NE of Guymon,Ok at the Two Sister and McGrath sites.I found my first arrowhead there when I was about 5.The landowner stopped everyone from going out there shortly thereafter.35 years later with no interest I moved south of Guymon,on the Frisco Creek. The landowner suggested I hang around “that Indian hill” A couple of hours later I found a 18 piece cache of knives and scrapers.It burnt into my soul,and for the past 21 years I have been an addict.I am currently in Keyes,Ok where the paleo is extremely common.Come on over. Thanks for sharing your story,it relates with me.
Thank you for your comment. Glad you enjoyed the story.