ATTENTION
Western Typology examines ONLY legally-acquired pieces, and
will not accept or be
responsible for receiving artifacts of any kind that have
been taken from public or tribal lands, and are subject
to the following laws
pertaining to such items:
Archaeological Resources Protection Act
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990
All items submitted for authentication are closely examined using
high-powered magnification and ultraviolet analysis. Genuine prehistoric artifacts exhibit different surface weathering,
mineralization and other characteristics depending on the environment in which they were found. For example, a
Neolithic Period stone projectile point found in the Sahara Desert in Africa will exhibit different surface weathering than
a Calapooya Culture projectile point found in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Surface weathering and mineralization characteristics can
also depend upon the type of stone used to fashion the artifact.
Any modern alteration will change that
surface area of the artifact, removing ancient weathering and mineralization, and will leave behind tell-tale signs
such as sanding or abrading striations, metal deposits, loose hinge fractures and/or fresh crushing, etc.
Many genuine projectile points and knives are found in fragmentary condition, and are then altered by re-chipping to
create the appearance of a complete, undamaged piece. New tips are created, bases are "fixed," and sometimes
notches are added. All these alterations are evident with close examination. Often the fresh work is masked
by adding fresh soil, and other mixtures. As a result, it is often necessary to wash a piece with warm water and a
tooth brush to remove this mixture from notches, etc. Unless it is a perishable item, normal washing with
water will NOT damage the surface of the artifact or remove genuine weathering or mineralization. Anyone who
tells you otherwise is possibly trying to pass off a fake piece as genuine, and is worried about you removing the "patina"
or "weathering" that was added to the piece in modern times to mask the fresh surfaces beneath. It is best
to avoid purchasing such items unless you have the seller clean them first, allowing them to be examined before the final
purchase is made.
Modern-made pieces, outright fakes (pieces sold with the intention to defraud
a collector) are both a BIG problem today, and have been for decades. Even many of the famous "old-time"
collections have been found to contain many fakes, often treasured by family members for years before anyone had them examined closely.
These are sometimes affixed with old labels, india ink markings, etc. Many modern flintknappers are very ethical,
and sign all the pieces they make, not only because they are proud of their lithic art, but to lessen the chances
that their work will be sold later as genuine, prehistoric artifacts. These pieces are usually left untreated,
to show the natural beauty of the stone. Intentionally-fraudulent items are often treated with all types of substances
in an effort to simulate natural mineralization, deposits, weathering, etc. Shoe polish, media-blasting, acid, paint,
vaseline and soil mixtures, even pancake syrup have been used. Some pieces are tumbled in rock-polisher or other
vibratory polishing devices to create an artificially-weathered surface that can resemble natural river-polish,
desert-polish or similar natural weathering.
All the above characteristics can be determined during the
authentication process, assuring the collector the piece in question is a genuine, authentic prehistoric artifact.
We will issue
an Artifact Authentication certificate for all pieces examined that we feel, in our opinion, are genuine, prehistoric or historic
period artifacts. Each certificate is numbered and a copy is kept on file at Western Typology for future reference if
needed. At any time, a customer or collector can call or email us to verify that a certificate is genuine. They
need only to refer to the certificate number located in the upper left portion of the certificate.
Each certificate provides
an actual size photo of the item, (unless otherwise noted on the certificate) measurements, lithic (stone) type, information
about the piece, cultural affilation (if known), the age of the item and information about the origins, as well as the age
established for the type, and the reported provenance of the piece. Each certificate is dated when
it is issued.
We will issue a detailed letter for each item we feel, in our opinion, is a modern
reproduction, or a genuine piece that has been altered by re-chipping in modern times. For pieces that are genuine but
partially restored, we will issue a certificate and will note the restoration.
IMPORTANT: When submitting
pieces for authentication, please list the provenance (origin) of the piece if you know it, and any other important information
you might have, such as who it was found by, location found, (town, city, county, state, etc). If it is from a
well-known collection, that information can be included as well.
*
Evaluations
are done at the request of the owner of items submitted to us, and are for educational purposes only. Determinations are made
using our best experience and knowledge to date. In no way are our evaluations intended as a guarantee or warranty
of any kind, nor should they be used as a basis for investment in the item(s). No one shall have a right to assert claims
against Ben Stermer or Western Typology for any monetary damages arising out of evaluations that we provide.
