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How to Find Paleo-Indian Artifacts in Virginia

Collecting Paleo-Indian artifacts can be a hobby or profession. Paleo-Indians were the original inhabitants of North America. Archaeologists believe this nomadic group of people crossed the Bering Straights from Asia into the continent some 11,000 thousand years ago. Some even believe that a group sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from France and settled on the East Coast of the United States. Several artifacts of this early "Clovis" culture have been found in Virginia. Some items a collector might find are: points, scrappers, blades, hammerstones, stone tools, bone tools and beads.

Instructions

- 1
  Study the history of Paleo-Indian culture in Virginia. Research Indian sites, mounds and camps at the library or on the internet..
- 2
  Research the types of artifacts the Indians used so that you will know what to look for.
- 3
  Search the Indian sites, mounds and camps. To efficiently search the location, first make a gathering stick by hammering a nail onto an old broom handle. Use it to turn over objects as you walk the location. Search in rows of about 5 to 10 feet across.
- 4
  Drive through the Virginia countryside. Look for fields that have been plowed. When you find one, stop at the farm and ask the owners if they have ever found Indian artifacts in the field.
- 5
  Search for and contact fellow artifact hunters in Virginia. The field is full of hobbyists as well as professional collectors who may be willing to share techniques.

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