There is a theory in anthropology which basically says that function to a large degree determines how an object looks. In other words, no matter where you go in the world or when in history, an "oar" will always have a thin end to hold and a wide end to move the water. You can decorate it or lengthen it or shorten it...you can carve a duck on it or an eagle but it remains recognizable as an "oar."
So, think of a pin like this example:
So, you could have found a pin designed to hold two pieces of wood together which have long since rotted away. The question is if you can show that these items are pre-Columbian the impact will be revolutionary.
Something is wrong here. War, disease, death, destruction, hunger, filth, poverty, torture, crime, corruption, and the Ice Capades. Something is definitely wrong. This is not good work. If this is the best God can do, I am not impressed.
Yes. I didn't see Min's cotter pin remark as anything other than an observation, and it's a fair point. Furthermore...
There is a theory in anthropology which basically says that function to a large degree determines how an object looks. In other words, no matter where you go in the world or when in history, an "oar" will always have a thin end to hold and a wide end to move the water. You can decorate it or lengthen it or shorten it...you can carve a duck on it or an eagle but it remains recognizable as an "oar."
which is I would say quite right. I've been thinking about this one quite a bit recently. Given my overwhelming obsession with you-know-where (begins with M) I've had a lot of [sexual swearwords incoming] dumb fucking shitbags trying to raise my eyebrows at why there should be pyramids all over the world. The answer of course is because if you build something you either build straight up or tapering inwards, and the latter is usually the easier option. Any ancient culture that specialised in building structures with the upper part twice the area of the lower part would have been too stupid to last long enough to leave any evidence of its existence. Function dictates form.
I take it these objects of yours are all coming from precolumbian strata? You have to get those puppies dated. Maybe I'm getting overexcited, but following some of these preClovis threads feels like I'm watching history being made. Or changed. Or something.
175 miles from the Gulf.....much more during the Ice Age...makes me doubt that boats would have been a big item....although if the creek was always there one never knows.
But that sort of pin can be used to connect lots of things. It would be interesting to know if metalurgical analysis showed what kind of metal it was and how it was made. I'm just reacting to the apparent shape of the artifact.
Something is wrong here. War, disease, death, destruction, hunger, filth, poverty, torture, crime, corruption, and the Ice Capades. Something is definitely wrong. This is not good work. If this is the best God can do, I am not impressed.
but following some of these preClovis threads feels like I'm watching history being made. Or changed. Or something.
Absofuckinglutely!
Something is wrong here. War, disease, death, destruction, hunger, filth, poverty, torture, crime, corruption, and the Ice Capades. Something is definitely wrong. This is not good work. If this is the best God can do, I am not impressed.
If you look along the stock you will see several small holes. These are for what are called tenon pins. A tenon being basically a tab of metal sticking up from one of the brass parts, such as the triggerguard which in the kit is already shown as installed. A small hole is drilled through the stock and through the tenon. A pin is then inserted to hold the metal part in place. Similar tenons were used to hold the barrel to the stock. In fact, on mine, there are 11 such pins (approx. 1/16th inch diamter) holding various parts in place. Disassembling for cleaning meant tapping each of the pins out and reinserting. This technology was already in place with the first models of this musket which date from 1690. In other words....pre-Industrial Revolution in Britain.
However, as late as the 1850's Colt revolvers were designed with a wedge
designed to hold the barrel in place.
The difference between these two parts is that the tenon pin has no head. It can be tapped through and re-inserted from either side. The pistol wedge has a head, similar to what you have uncovered, meaning that it was designed to be easily removed up to the head but without the ability to be pushed completely through the hole.
THAT seems to resemble the 'pin' you have found...although obviously I am not suggesting that it is for a Civil War era revolver.
Something is wrong here. War, disease, death, destruction, hunger, filth, poverty, torture, crime, corruption, and the Ice Capades. Something is definitely wrong. This is not good work. If this is the best God can do, I am not impressed.
Maybe I'm getting overexcited, but following some of these preClovis threads feels like I'm watching history being made. Or changed. Or something.
It is exciting for those who are involved. Charlie's site is incredible given the possibilities. As Min say, it's revolutionary. I have a site that is definitely pre-Clovis, being at least 16,000bce since it is located on the shoreline of an ancient lake that drained at that date. Lots of handaxes there which ... of course ... aren't there ... according to conventional theory. If Charlie's site demonstrates ancient smelting, there's gonna be "Lots of splaining to do, Lucy!"
If Charlie's site demonstrates ancient smelting, there's gonna be "Lots of splaining to do, Lucy!"
Something is wrong here. War, disease, death, destruction, hunger, filth, poverty, torture, crime, corruption, and the Ice Capades. Something is definitely wrong. This is not good work. If this is the best God can do, I am not impressed.
That's what I'm telling you, Cog, in all seriousness...you need to be all over that site!!
Charlie, a good dig is like good sex. You need to take your time and do it right or you break the spell! I'm going there Saturday ... can you wait that long?
My bad, for not making this clear upfront...the piece is about 4" long.
All that means is that it was holding two fairly large items together....it doesn't change the mechanism by which it could function.
Something is wrong here. War, disease, death, destruction, hunger, filth, poverty, torture, crime, corruption, and the Ice Capades. Something is definitely wrong. This is not good work. If this is the best God can do, I am not impressed.
If Charlie's site demonstrates ancient smelting, there's gonna be "Lots of splaining to do, Lucy!" 
