Tennessee Arrowhead Collections Point to the Past

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arrowheads, history

For any kind of collector, there’s a prize piece – the Honus Wagner baseball card or the Inverted Jenny stamp, for example – that sets a collection above the rest. In American Indian arrowheads, Jim Lynch’s Christmas Star is just such a piece.

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To understand why, you have to understand the deeper story behind the Star. It’s a 10- to 12,000-year-old ceremonial arrowhead from what’s called the Paleolithic period. Those qualities, though, bring out the biggest question about the Christmas Star and arrowheads like it. How does a ceremonial arrowhead, created with master craftsmanship, get here today? Consider that this piece of flint and its delicate details survived more than 100 centuries of farming on land trod by countless game and people, and the real mystery of the Christmas Star begins: Why is it here?

But it is, and pieces like it are still in the ground in Tennessee, waiting for the person in the right time and the right place to find them.

Living History

Lynch owns a sleepy Benton County convenience store about halfway between Paris and Camden, Tennessee, appropriately named “The Rock Man.” While he also deals in real estate, Lynch’s first and best love is his collection of American Indian relics, many of which are shown in a display that takes up about half of his store. While Lynch has purchased some of his arrowheads and will trade them, don’t expect to see any price tags: he’s not a dealer, he says, simply a collector.

 

Arrowheads

Otherwise, the Christmas Star might well not be here today. It’s hard to pinpoint a value to such a unique piece, but to Lynch, it might as well be the Hope Diamond. It has been authenticated by one of the foremost authorities in the field, Gregory Perino, and Perino’s authentication is so solid that unscrupulous sellers have forged authenticity papers bearing his name. In fact, Lynch said, Perino stated when he saw it that “it was one of the finest points he’s ever seen.”

The Star isn’t on display – Lynch keeps it safely tucked away in a safe deposit box – but many others are, and he’s happy to show them to anyone who’s interested.

“My biggest delight is talking to young people,” Lynch said. “Other countries like Japan and Germany can be more interested in our history than we are. I help people identify what they already have and get them started.”

Interestingly, Lynch, who moved here from Illinois, didn’t place the store by mistake – it’s in the heart of what people in this part of West Tennessee call the “Magic Valley,” and it’s a hotbed for American Indian relics. Lynch wanted to be in the middle of it, and not coincidentally, collectors gravitate to this area. Many of them visit Lynch’s store – just as he planned over 20 years ago.

“Benton County was a cradle of civilization,” Lynch said. “To the Native Americans, this place was rich in natural resources, such as fish, and represented a great deal of natural beauty – it had a lot of the same qualities to them that we seek today. Some of the artifacts from this area are world class.”

That’s not all talk. Just across the river in Dover, an ancient flint quarry provided the material for what might have been the greatest archaeological find in Tennessee, the Duck River Cache. The massive find of relics was in a plowed field in Humphreys County in 1894, and includes pieces as long as 28 inches long – and is viewable to the public at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in the McClung Museum. “It’s a find of, certainly, significance for the southeastern United States and the nation,” state archaeologist Michael Moore said. “It’s a one-of-a-kind find, and we’re really fortunate that you can actually go over and take a look at it.”

Finding Arrowheads in Tennessee

Arrowheads can be found anywhere in Tennessee, but they are often discovered at American Indian gravesites and cemeteries where they were used as grave offerings. There are various ways the arrowheads make their way to the surface; most often it’s from erosion or from farming activity. While it’s legal to take arrowheads from the surface of the ground on private property with the landowner’s permission, it’s illegal to do so on public land. Furthermore, it’s a felony to dig for arrowheads on public lands – the same penalty applies for digging at an American Indian gravesite, no matter the age, as it does for digging at any grave. Digging on private land (with the landowner’s approval) isn’t illegal, but many archaeologists recommend against doing so without a trained professional, since other historical information present could be damaged or destroyed.

In terms of historical value, the context in which the arrowhead is found is just as valuable as the item itself. A single arrowhead can be representative of an entire American Indian graveyard, trashpit or settlement.

Charles Bentz, an archaelogical consultant from Knoxville who worked for the University of Tennessee for 20 years as a contract archaeologist, said joining a group such as the Middle Cumberland Archaeological Society can be a great benefit to a budding collector, and observes and teaches the practices involved in responsible collecting.

“For historical purposes, it’s about the context and knowing where things came from, as opposed to having someone come in with just a sack full of arrowheads.

101 Comments

  1. sharon price says:

    I have some arrow heads and wont to sell them .what could i get for them

  2. joe says:

    just watch out in dover tennessee a man there sells and buys arrowheads but he also makes his own and sells them as real Darnell

  3. Annie says:

    Have inherited collection and am willing .to sell, Live in Brownsville tn

  4. SIBYL says:

    LOVE YOUR ARROWHEADS I HAVE FOUND SOME MYSELF ITS THE MOST MAGICAL FILLING WHEN YOU FIND ONE AND TO THINK ABOUT ITS HISTORY

  5. bryan says:

    HI, I FOUND A MASSIVE ARROWHEAD NEAR CANE CREEK IN TENNESSEE ITS VERY LARGE, BLACK IN COLOR , CURIOUS TO THE VALUE, ITS ABOUT 10” IN LENGTH AND ABOUT 2.5” ACROSS BOUT 1.5” THICK IN TH MIDDLE, THANKS IF YOU CAN HELP

  6. Angela Stakely says:

    I have inherited a collection of 100 arrowheads plus various fossils. I would like to sell them. I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and would be glad to travel in Tennessee to meet someone to sell them. I also can email pictures of the collection.

  7. Hello, My name is carl templeton.My mom passed away last OCTOBER,and she has a house full of indian arrowheads,and other relics.I am selling everything out of the home and she was a collector of many things,but her passion was anything indian. If there is anybody that could tell me where I can take these arrowheads and have them valued.I would be very gratefull.I travel back and forth to CHATTANOOGA, TN. every month.I do not know if theres a place there or not,but If anyone can help me find out what these 200 arrowheads mostly from around warren county. McMinnville,Tn. I am going to sell them for around one half of what they are worth.1 HATCHET,1GRINDER+ more bigger relics to. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! CARL TEMPLETON 423/504/2155

    • Josh says:

      Hey Carl, if you still have a collection to sale shoot me a message.If i cant buy i can get you with the right people. Who will. Will gladly assist.Thanks Josh

      • Matthew Lewis says:

        Hey Josh this is Matt Lewis in Warren CO tn I have several arrowheads and artifacts i’d like to sell. I feel it’s time to let these go and find a new collection so I’m willing to sell. Only friends and family have seen my collection that began over 20 yrs ago and I spend a lot of time outdoors so I have some unique pieces. If anyone is interested my email is mattlewis164@gmail.com or you can also call or text me at 9313043386.

      • Tonya says:

        Hey I have a lot of overhill Cherokee indian artifacts and am looking to sell them. Can u help me out with some potential buyers.

    • Donnie Strickland says:

      Hello I’m interested in ur mom’s relics.And very sorry for ur loss if u haven’t gotten rid of all of it u can call me at (423)682-0032 anytime.

  8. Macie Reed says:

    I have a board of arrorheads I would like to know the approximate value of.Also have a couple other artifacts. Any help would be appreciated.

  9. Wendy Houston says:

    I have lots of arrowheads would love to find out their worth and possibly sell them. I live in chattanooga to any info to where or who I should talk to would be greatly appreciated.

  10. wanda says:

    I have bought a storage unit and there was a box of arrowheads in it. I was needing to find out the value of them so I could sell them. Can anyone help me?

  11. Richard Pinkston says:

    Never found one before but just unearthed one in my garden. Wish I could put a pic on here.

  12. Travis Langley says:

    To anyone who has already posted or who hasn’t, I live in Chattanooga and will buy all arrowheads and Indian Artifacts and pay top dollar for them. If you live in Tn, Alabama, Ga, or Ky, I’ll travel to you or buy them online and pay for shipping. Email me at chattalove@live.com or text me 423.255.0084. Thanks!

  13. Terry Moseley says:

    I have a few relics that I would like to find out if they have any value. Please contact me.

  14. Daniel Marquess says:

    I recently helped a friend out and he gave me a first aid kit full of arrowheads and tons of other types shapes and sizes. I have no problem taking pictures of them and emailing them for value and to sell them. If there is value to any I just want a honest person who knows about all of this to help me.

  15. Kenny says:

    I have a few arrowheads I’m trying to sell. I live in mcminnville.

  16. Thomas Minley says:

    i have some stuff i cant find in my overstreet price guide and would like to know what they are i live in henderson co.

  17. JASON MCPHETRIDGE says:

    I have a couple of nice arrowheads found in Decatur county for sale.

  18. Drake says:

    Hi I’m a collector of arrowheads and Indian relics. I know quite a bit about the subject and I won’t cheat you on prices. If anything I will overpay because they are beautiful specimens and I have a great passion for them. Anyone wanting to sell any arrowheads, one single piece or a whole collection, please contact me at (931) 265-2175 txt or call or email fullback_55@hotmail.com I’ll also give you an appraisal if that’s all you want. Happy hunting guys!

  19. rob brown says:

    Would like to buy.
    Please call or text. Robert
    865-773-3720

  20. JASON MCPHETRIDGE says:

    Here’s my number 7315496372

  21. Zach Cozart says:

    I have asked a few older ppl about my arrowheads and everyone has the same question will I sale them. But idk what there value is.I have a lot of free time to travel so I go hunting alotand have over 1000.

  22. Chelsie says:

    I have a set of 8 Arrowheads that I inherited. Not sure of their worth but, am willing to sale them. Located in Summertown, TN

  23. Tim meade says:

    My name is Tom ,,an I have several arrowhead,,that I like to sale.they all came from are farm.. my email is,Radio2371@gmail.com..I’m in maryville,,at my girlfriend now..

  24. Bob Acuff says:

    During a recent move a framed collection of arrowheads with one spearheaded which was gray went missing. There were only about 10 or so arrowheads arranged around the spearheaded which was in the center of the frame. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I could look to see if any of them had been sold? All of these were found during family outings outside of Sparta Tennessee and I inherited them from my parents.
    Bob Acuff

  25. Travis Langley says:

    I am still looking to buy Indian Artifacts and I pay top dollar for them. Interested in arrowheads, pottery, shell ornaments, bone, etc. Can travel to you or buy and pay for shipping. I’ve bought over 50 collections so far and still going. If interested, please call or text Travis Langley at 423-255-0084 or email tbird423@aol.com

    Thanks

  26. Marie says:

    I have a beautiful arrow Head that came from sugar valley Creek .it is in mint condition. And I also have a few more small ones. I would like to sell .

  27. Donna L Wheeler says:

    I have some arrowheads I want to sell from chattanooga tn nice ones. I also have some ?s on other things that I found that are very interesting

  28. Barbara Lockaby says:

    I have for sale some beautiful petroglyphs, bird stones, effigies, paint pots, game stones and other artifacts, guaranteed authentic, I found each myself, on my own land.

  29. Jaclyn Jones says:

    I have a huge arrow head , points, tools, tomahawk ,axes collection for sale as well as carbonferous fossilized coal with ferns, trees, ext. I need to sale

  30. ALENE BUTCHER says:

    I am looking to sell my own personal finds. I have a very large collection found mostly in Warren County Tn. text me at 9317439212 if interested

  31. Amber Garner says:

    Does anyone want to meet up and hunt near Chattanooga or sequatchie county I’d love to have a place to go find them other than the one I found in my yard I don’t know anyone personal that can take me to a promising hunting site. My email is johnboy14u@gmail.com my name is Amber

  32. Rachel Baker says:

    I have some really nice pieces and one really old rare arrow head. I’m interested in selling. Please contact me. I’m in the Benton Tennessee area. Thanks.

  33. Tony says:

    I live in Cedar Grove between Carroll and Henderson counties.
    I have 12 acres and find arrow heads all the time but l also found what looks like an old stone hammer or tomahawk, you can see it is worn down near the middle like something was holding it in place.
    Can I send you a picture?
    Also found some odd elongated flat stones that look black inside, not sure what they are or used for.
    Again, a picture might help. Let me know if I can send a picture, I am still searching my old creek beds for more. Thank you, Tony

    • Amanda says:

      I live in Henderson county myself my boyfriend and i have recently took up the hobby of learning the history of arrowheads and was wondering if you might be willing to allow us to maybe look on your land. Thank you for your time. Amanda

    • Cedric jones says:

      Would you like to sell them? I live in Gibson county and I would like to come look at them

    • Anthony Adams says:

      I’m very interested in buying your arrowheads. Email or txt me at. awaiphone@gmail.com or txt at 205-317-1875

  34. Thelma dilldine says:

    I Have several arrowheads I need to sale TODAY…

  35. Andrew Quade Camp says:

    Can anyone tell me anything about any American Indian settlements in Lincoln County, TN? I’m new to the super fun art of arrowhead hunting and was wondering if I would just be wasting my time around here? I’m located in the southeastern corner of the county in a small town named Elora.

  36. Nick Reynolds says:

    Found several in Greenbrier.

  37. Roe says:

    Have hunted rocks since my youth in Tish. County ,Mississippi and Colbert County ,Alabama
    Rocks from 7 mile to the ten tomm waterway idk just how many. Figuring to let these rocks go because my only child dont care about nothing but money so when I go it will be a free for all bmlu263 at gee mail.

  38. tim kinslow says:

    I’m interested in authentic native American Indian relics,to purchase.

    • john shingleton says:

      Yeah I’ve got over 2,000 arrowheads and relics and I’m trying to get rid of them I don’t know where to go either I live in Tennessee Chattanooga area any help would be great

  39. Angela Cooter says:

    My daughter has a collection of arrowheads that she has found. Each one that she finds, she will sit and stare at it wondering who’s it was. The look on her face is priceless as a mom. Today she went “headhunting” and she found something extraordinary! I didn’t believe it but further research on my part has made me a believer. Then I seen the CA law on the artifact but can’t seem to find TN law. Does anyone know the law on Ancient Indian teeth being found?

  40. Jan says:

    I am wanting to get into hunting for arrowheads with my 10 year old grandson.
    Does anyone have an idea of where to hunt near Nashville, TN?
    I would love to go with someone who could teach us! Thank you
    Jan

  41. Cedric jones says:

    I have a few arrowheads that my grandfather left behind and I don’t know what they are worth or how to sell them. If anyone is interested and willing to be fair I would more than love to sell them.

  42. T says:

    Man, I have a ton of arrowheads and our artifacts are in a museum which Bill White and Tommy White found. This was my grandfather and my uncle. I wouldn’t sell any. And they have been valued at over 1 million dollars. I’d rather keep them in the family.

  43. Sharon Hudgens says:

    I have a large collection of arrowheads my father left me. I am interested in selling them.

  44. Anthony Adams says:

    I’m very interested in buying your arrowheads. Email or txt me at. awaiphone@gmail.com or txt at 205-317-1875

    Always looking please reach out if you want to sell.

    Thank you
    Anthony

  45. Katie says:

    I have several arrowheads and some other items as well. I’m hoping to sell quickly. 9312845181 (Putnam county area)

  46. Natasha says:

    Is there someone on here that could possibly look at some of my arrowheads and tell me what I’ve found?

  47. John Carter says:

    I’m staying at Norris lake in tazwell and there must be a dump or settlement under the water from when tva flooded the valley and constructed the dam. I’ve never seen so much knapped flint per square foot in my life. I’m trying to find out more about the area and if its a place that needs to be conserved I’d like the right people to know

  48. Anthony Melson says:

    I am interested in buying any indian artifacts and arrowheads, single pieces or entire collections. You can reach me at 731 412 1819. Call or text. Will pay cash. Thanks, Anthony

  49. Amber Hutchins says:

    i have hundreds of arrowheads and stone tools from finding them in my grandpas field, anyone know where i can maybe sell a few or where i would be able to learn a little bit more about them
    thanks

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