What to do if you find an Arrowhead?

Finding projectile points is an exciting thing! Congratulations!

While it can be tempting to take what you’ve found, there are some things that are important to consider, both ethically and legally. Everyone has their own stance towards collecting artifacts, and it is a decision you have to make yourself. 

Just remember, collecting artifacts always disrupts the archaeological record. Some of the most important information they convey is their relation to other things, and place in the landscape – also known as context. Removing a point from its context also removes much of our ability to learn from it.

Public land

If you are on public land it is illegal to take artifacts of any kind. That goes beyond just arrowheads. Taking these things is not only wrong, but you’ll also end up with a hefty fine. 

The steps you should take:

Mark your location on a map if you can. This could be done using a park map, or dropping a pin of your location on your phone. 

Take a photo in situ. This means that the artifact is undisturbed – make sure that there are some other landmarks in your photo to situate it in the landscape. You can of course pick it up too! Just be sure to put it back how you found it.

Contact the associated ranger station, or the nearest ranger.

 

Private land

Collecting from private land is legal, so long as you have the landowners permission. Regardless of legalities, you still should weigh your decision with the knowledge that removing it from context also loses lots that can be learned from the artifact.

If you decide to follow through and collect the artifact, here is the information that you should record along with the point: 

Responsible Collecting Methods On Private Land

Take photographs

Taking photographs is important for situating the points in the landscape.

  • Make sure that the photos you are taking show the point, the environment, and a feature that is fixed in the landscape (something permanent). If you can get all three of these in one shot, that is the best photo to take.
  • You should take photos from different directions. Some phones have compass apps on them, you should take note of the direction in your photo log. 
  • Keeping a photo log is a useful way to store information alongside your photos. 
  • An easy way to do this with your phone would be to add a caption to the photo.
    • Open your photos app (this is explained using an iPhone, but the process is likely similar across devices)
    • Find the photo you just took
    • Click the ‘info’ button at the bottom of your screen – alternatively you can swipe up on the photo
    • Beneath your photo, and in the middle of the screen you should see an “add a caption” area, where you can type your notes into
    • I would also like to point out that the information tab associated with your picture also likely took a “geotag” meaning it plotted your photographs relative location
  • You should take note of prominent things in that are featured in your photo, think of it like this:
    • Photo taken looking SW. Longs Peak is visible in the background. Point is visible at the base of the boulder in the foreground.  
 

Map the artifact

Saving a pin of your location can be useful for mapping the artifact, but if you have the time or ability, making a real “site map” is hugely beneficial.
 

How to save a pin on google maps

  • Open the map
  • Zoom in to your location (the blue dot)
  • Press and hold your finger on top of your location until it drops a pin. Notice how your location jumps around? This method is not the most accurate. 
  • In the menu that opens, click save.
     

how to create a "site map"

  • This makes the assumption that you have a notebook and pen with you, although you could probably sketch it on your phone as well.
  • Begin with your artifact, draw it somewhere on your paper.
  • Look around in the environment, is there anything that stands out to you nearby? Is that thing fixed in the landscape (permanent)?
    • Trees, boulders, and fences are all possiblities.
  • When you’ve found your fixed landscape feature, sketch it in relation to the artifact. It helps to have multiple of these, especially from different angles. This can help you triangulate the artifact.
    • Some iPhones have a measuring tape app preinstalled. If you have this, it could be worth a try to have a measurement associated with your drawing.
    • Approximate measurements would be useful as well if the exacts are not possible. 
  • When you have your artifact and landscape features mapped, move on to larger environmental features. You can estimate these distances to the artifact.
    • Rivers, hills, buildings.
  • The more you can fill your page, the better your map will be!