The North American Indian have been abundant and indigenous throughout North America for time immemorial. They were Nomadic by demand and holistic by nature. They were a diverse and magnificent race of mankind, and many Tribes connected to their ancient bloodline still survive. There is a "Trace" of their ancient heritage which still exists... resilient through millenniums. The expression of their need set in stone with each an expression of an individual life personality.
Of course the North American Indians were human beings in EVERY perspective. Of course this bears repeating for the generations whom defined them as less than human for the service of their own greed. Just as our own lives, the lives
they lived were supported by tools. Tools which help every one of us live, even
tools we create and fashion to current needs. It just happens to be that the ancient tools
they used were crafted from stone. We now call the multiplied millions of their utilitarian stone tools, "Artifacts"... and because of the force of life they are valuable to us.
In locating the artifacts of the North American Indian; so many antiquities from
multiplied millenniums past; I can share four great priorities of success. Although you might well be a veteran in collecting, there is still virtue in re-considering these realities! Honor, geography, environment,
and "ever-learn". In other words, there is a 'formula' for success in finding. There is a way to increase your probability of discovering Indian Trace for yourself! Take a look at the five aspects restated...
HONOR: There is a Spirit of Life in the earth. The North American Indian called this Spirit, "The Great Mystery"; however, the Greatness of all life is here. Before heading out the door, try to understand that of honor it is a People you are searching for... a way of life and history past which means something. Honoring the very reason and reality of Their dispensations, learning about who it is Who made the tools you hold, is the porthole to great success in finding artifacts!
GEOGRAPHY: It is certain "artifacts" cannot, and will not, be located in geographic areas which were never habituated. Therefore identifying specific geographic areas which were once habituated by the North American Indian is essential to success. Research and local advice, if you can come by it (!), help, yet the GREATEST gains come from personal, hands-on geographic experience. We call it personal discovery.
ENVIRONMENT: Which is also to say, "The right conditions". Like so many things in life, success seems to come when all the "conditions" line up to make it work. The condition we speak of for finding artifacts are physical conditions. The discovery of artifacts in the earth is subject to water, wind, ice, snow, vegetation and even industry. Knowing how all of these effect and present ancient life is a great key in success.
EVER-LEARN: Because of the huge amount of variables in the work of archeology; understanding the People & Lifeways of thousands of yars past; another great help to me has been keeping myself in an "ever-learn" mentality. Every success, every failure, every suffering and every discovery is readily something to learn by. Future ancient success depends on it! As Henry David Thoreau once said, "Follow your genius closely enough, and it will
not fail to show you a fresh prospect every hour".
If you are interested in greater success archeologically, I can only help a few of these tips helped! Of course the evidence of what is shared here can be seen on "Indian Trace", yet my best prayers to all who head out to find the ancient life left behind! As Cormack McCarthy said, "The desert winds would salt their ruins and there would be nothing, no
spirit or scribe, to tell any pilgrim in his passing how it was that people had
lived in this place and in this place had died". Cheers!
