PAGE
1
modern
points made from opal
real and
synthetic opal
PRESENT DAY
PAGE 1
OF 2 PAGES
COPYRIGHT
MARCH 31, 2003 PETER A. BOSTROM
MODERN-MADE
POINTS
MADE FROM REAL AUSTRALIAN OPAL AND SYNTHETIC OPAL
PRIVATE
COLLECTIONS |
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ABSTRACT:
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REAL AND
SYNTHETIC OPAL
MADE BY
MODERN-DAY FLINTKNAPPERS
This article illustrates several different examples of arrow points that were
made out of real and synthetic opal. They were made over the last 50 years by modern-day flintknappers.
The earliest is an example that was made of real opal by Don
Crabtree, who was a famous experimental archaeologist. Another
point, that is illustrated here, must be one of the most
beautiful arrow points ever made. It was made by Jim Hopper from
what is apparently a fairly rare form of synthetic opal. |
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"The shaping of stone by fracture processes is
one of the earliest as well as one of the most important "arts" of primitive
men"------1912, The Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico
CLICK ON
PICTURE FOR LARGE IMAGE
THREE ARROW
POINTS MADE FROM AUSTRALIAN OPAL
THE LARGEST ONE MEASURES 1 3/8 INCHES (3.5 CM) LONG.
ARROWHEADS
MADE
FROM OPAL
The first direct evidence of the use of arrows rather than spears comes
from Stellmoor in western Germany. Arrow shafts found there were dated
to 10,500 years ago. So arrowheads have been made for a very long time
and they would number in the countless millions world wide. It's logical
to assume that most of these arrow heads would fall into the utilitarian
category and the rest would be ceremonial in nature. Most of those
allocated to ceremonial would most probably have ended up as grave
offerings.
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CLICK ON
PICTURE FOR LARGE IMAGE
MODERN-MADE ARROW POINT
MADE BY DON CRABTREE
AUSTRALIAN OPAL
THE HERRETT MUSEUM,
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO COLLECTION
This very skillfully flaked point was made several years ago by Don
Crabtree. Mr. Crabtree was one of the early experimental
archaeologists who was trying to duplicate ancient stone tool making
techniques. This point was made from real opal. It measures 1 5/8
inches (4.2 cm) long. |
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In recent
years, probably no more than the last twenty, we are seeing increasing
numbers of arrowheads being made and sold, only as art objects. No one
could argue that the most artistic and beautiful stone arrow points that
have ever been made are actually being made now. It's a new phenomenon
that hasn't been seen before, at least not within past Stone Age
cultures.
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CLICK ON
PICTURE FOR LARGE IMAGE
MODERN-MADE ARROW POINT
UNKNOWN ARTIST
SYNTHETIC OPAL
PRIVATE COLLECTION
This beautiful point was made from good quality synthetic opal.
Depending on the light, it can look translucent or opaque and will
reflect many different iridescent colors. This point measures 1 1/4
inches (3.2 cm) long. |
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Small arrow heads,
and of course large points too, are being made out of the most beautiful
stones the craftsman can find. This is all for the sake of art to
enhance the finished piece. The most rare and beautiful stone being used
are opals, both real and synthetic.
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CONTINUE ON TO PAGE
TWO
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"REFERENCES"
1912,
"Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico", Smithsonian
Institution pub., Part 1 Bulletin 30, PP 465.
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