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Extreme Arrowhead Notching
by Ray Harwood

work in progress



Knapper Jake Webster

One aspect of primitive archery getting increasingly more attention of late, is the point knapping. Flint knapping the tip of the arrow is only the tip of the iceberg. The following is the extreme examples of what is possible if a person applies themselves.

One aspect of extreme flintknpping is deep notching into the body of the flint blade. Notching arrowheads is an art form in itself. Some flintknappers have perfected notching to the extreme. The notches can be replicated by pressure flaking with a soft iron nail, horse shoe nail or small copper punch.

A group of Mack Tussinger's eccentrics (Photo courtesy of Peter Bostrom)

In the 1920s, a Indian named Mack Tussinger was able to formulate notching methods that allowed him to achieve extremely complex designs in the flint, these points came to be known as eccentrics . It was in 1921 that Tussinger, a Wyandotte Indian, claimed to have discovered a large cache of ancient eccentric flint points, he had sold as many as 3,500 to wealthy collectors over the following decades before it was discovered he knapped the eccentrics blades himself.

A group Mack Tussinger's eccentric (Photo courtesy of Larry Kinsella)

Obsidian Eagles by Emory Coons

Ed Mosher flintknapps large intricate eccentrics similar to those found in South America, Ed is also prides himself on his beautiful Danish Daggers. Danish daggers are among the most difficult artifacts to replicate.

ED Mosher of Monticello, Indiana Photo above

Both of Ed's Grandparents had artifact collections. Ed found his first arrowheads when he was 5. He chipped his first arrowhead when I was in the 4th grade. Ed used a nail in a handle and a railroad spike as a hammer. He didn't have any knappable material where he lived, so he used small flakes that he found in the fields. When he was in high school, he found DC Waldorf's book on flintknapping. " It took off The bug bit me hard. In 1988 I meet Jeff Pig and Dan Lincoln at a show that I was knapping at. They gave my a few pointers and some larger chert." He attended his first knapp-in in 1989 at the Jeff Pig farm. Ed has been hitting it hard ever since. "I like to swing large antler. I really like to make large percussion points. Though I love a challenge." Ed has been known to make eccentrics, fluted points, Danish daggers and now working on learning flake over grinding work. Ed was also a member of the flintknappers Halls of fame for his outstanding contributions to the craft and advancement of the art and study of flintknapping.

Ghost point by Jake Webster

Another knapper from the Indiana area is a young and upcoming knapper that is becoming known for his extreme eccentric flint points and his well notched hunting points. His name is Jake Webster and he calls his flint points “ghost points” for he often notches arrowhead images within his arrowheads. Jake is 27 and has been knapping since he was 12 years old. He credits Ed Mosher and Aaron Lincoln as his influences.

Anthony R - Example of extreme long thin notches. ( photo by Ray Harwood)



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