Groundstone Tools vs Natural Stones

Have you ever found an interesting rock and wondered whether it was natural, or something people shaped in the past? Here Dr. Connie Arzigian talks about some ways to tell the difference. Check the timestamps below to find information on different types of artifacts and similar-looking natural rocks, and what archaeologists look for to determine whether a stone is natural or worked.

Dr. Connie Arzigian is an MVAC Senior Research Associate and Senior Lecturer, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Department of Archaeology & Anthropology

Here’s what the video covers, and some links for further information:

Timecodes
00:00
00:06 - Introduction
01:10 - Axes and Celts
04:53 - Stones with Grooves
08:35 - Shaped and Pecked Stone: Manos, Hammerstones
11:49 - Shaped and Pecked Stone: Manos and Metates
12:48 - Deliberately Etched Stones, Abraders, and Natural Stone
16:07 - Frost Fracture
20:41 - The Importance of Context
23:08 - Credits

Artifact Identification

[nettid]

Thank you very informative. People that I know that search for artifacts are also searching for information, my hope is that Archeologists will take the time to share their knowledge. thanks again

[thegreatowl]

I find that many folks only look for the sharp, shiny and triangular stone like spear points and arrowheads. I, however, am completely enthralled by the everyday stone tool. There is just something about those deeply personal possessions that I find so very interesting. Thank you for sharing this video. Because there is some serious misinformation being spread on YouTube regarding the difference between geofacts and artifacts.

[skyblueeyes]

You are one brilliant woman!! Not only are you full of knowledge but you also have a gift for teaching your knowledge in a way anyone can understand. To you this may seem normal but it actually is not very common. A lot of people with knowledge can't teach because they talk over the students head ( if you know what I mean!) Thank you for taking your time to share and teach some of your knowledge. Please make more videos!!!! This is now my favorite channel to watch!!😊

[rondias]

I have been looking for this type of information video on this exact subject for a very long time..just perfect..thank you very much 👍

[maryssalynnemedley]

Ma'am, you are so wonderful at teaching these facts; I genuinely appreciate you and your knowledge. Thank you so much<3

[jimb]

Fascinating. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[stevepotter]

Thank you so much for the knowledge. Excellent video

[steveingersoll]

Thank you for making this video. You have answered questions I've had for years

[Paunguliaq]

very informative, useful video. Thank you so much!

[chief]

Great information! Thank you for sharing! You should do more videos

[jak]

Thank you very thorough this is the best video I saw thus far very helpful

[julliodelnorte]

Thank you for the information, not easy to find these things explained so clearly!

[dalehammond]

Well done and very informative. I have an Omar stone that's about the size and shape of a child's head and it has perfectly round pits all over it. They are all pretty close to the same size. This stone was found with several others that were similar on private property. It makes a great Halloween display lol

[earthsciteach]

That stone at 21:00 is definitely a potato effigy! :-D Very nice video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[tentenmanguel]

Just perfect, thank you very much Dr.Connie

[zacharyhegg]

At 14:45 it’s an eagle from the top view the head and beak are facing down can see the spots for eyes even

[joyciejd]

This is great! Thank you for these clear and detailed explanations showing the tools themselves. (Yeah, I found an abrading stone!)

[allaroundtown]

Thank you for a very informative video

[DarkMatterZombies]

Thank you for your expert information. I found several stone axes in the field of my Father's farm here in Northern IL. They look similar to the stone axe head you have with the groove for binding the handle. I would like to honor my Father by returning the axe to a working state. What would the handle have looked like? My ultimate goal is to return the axe to someone or a foundation from this area.

[daviddavid-udbt]

I'm curious how you clean these stone tools. Do you have to be careful to not remove some of the patina? Very informative. Thank you! I've found many many grinding stones here in southern NH in one location.