Tennessee Arrowhead Collections Point to the Past
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.
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.
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.
More Info on Collecting Arrowheads
“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.
I have some arrow heads and wont to sell them .what could i get for them
hi do you still have your arrowheads fo sale?
aarondavis85@yahoo.com is my email if u do
I have 2 fluted clovice to get rid of today1/23/14 lowens320@gmail.com
do you still have the clovis points for sale if so send so pics to clovis 2000@mchsi.com thanks
I’m having trouble emailing u Doug I do still have the 2 flutied Clovis arrowheads. My email is lowens320@gmail.com
I have a 130 plus arrowheads looking for 250 for the whole collection give me a call plz 4239949537
What are they and could I get some pictures thanks
I have lots of artifacts found by me and my husband . I can tell you where the were found and when , our land was occupied by a very prominent indian cheif ! I do have some very unique pieces . my email is jaderain8310@gmail.com thanks .
Could you send me some pictures of your stuff thanks
Hi I have a couple of arrowheads I have found in my creek by my house I would like to sell them what is my next step
I got some for sale
I found several artifacts by my house in the creek. Wanting to get someone to look at them to determine authenticity and value. Would love your opinion.
Did you have any success, Rebecca?
I have 10 to 15 arrowheads a meteorite and a few fossils I need to get rid of today so I can get my son’s stuff for his birthday please email me back
I love in west Tennessee about a mile or half mile from the onion river on a hill I’ve dug up about 8 points and lots of broken pieces even a big hunk of quartz crystal from my back yard someone stole most my points but about to continue digging again tomorrow I wonder if my land was a camp or something I found them all in a small square in the back yard
I meant the obion river sorry autocorrect lol
Have any Arrowhead for sale?
Yes
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
Have inherited collection and am willing .to sell, Live in Brownsville tn
hi do u still have the arrowheads u inherited for sale?
aarondavis85@yahoo.om is my email>
LOVE YOUR ARROWHEADS I HAVE FOUND SOME MYSELF ITS THE MOST MAGICAL FILLING WHEN YOU FIND ONE AND TO THINK ABOUT ITS HISTORY
Where can I find some arrow heads ha e never found just enjoy looking
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
Man..that is one huge arrow…actually it is likely a lance head.
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.
DO YOU KNOW WHERE THEY ARE FROM? are they from Chattanooga area?
Can you email me a picture at donnienation67@gmail.com I’m very interested thank you
I have some arrow heads and other artifacts for sell can send pics to anyone interested
I’m intrested.
Hey Cedric, I too have some arrow heads I’d like to sell. I’m in Clarksville TN. Could send some pics if you’d like to take a look. My email address is
veronica.greer78@gmail.com
Do you still hAve the arrowheads?
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
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
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.
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.
We are interested.
I have some arrowheads for sale if your interested
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.
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.
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.
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?
Never found one before but just unearthed one in my garden. Wish I could put a pic on here.
Hi Richard,
Unfortunately, there’s no way to share photos here, but feel free to share your arrowhead photo on our Facebook page, facebook.com/tnhomeandfarm.
Thanks,
Jessy Yancey
editor, Tennessee Home & Farm
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!
I have a few relics that I would like to find out if they have any value. Please contact me.
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.
I have a few arrowheads I’m trying to sell. I live in mcminnville.
Im interested if you still have them.
Robert 865-773-3720
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.
I have a couple of nice arrowheads found in Decatur county for sale.
I’M interested.
Robert
865-773-3720
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!
I will contact you in the am I have a few things I have a lot of civil war
Yes I am trying to find someone who knows how much the arrow heads I have found
Would like to buy.
Please call or text. Robert
865-773-3720
Here’s my number 7315496372
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.
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
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..
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
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
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 .
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
Hi I’m a collector in Michigan and am interested in arrowheads and other Indian relics thanks steve
I have found tons in Alabama I want to sell
Email tbird423@aol.com
I’m very interested in buying your arrowheads. Email or txt me at. awaiphone@gmail.com or txt at 205-317-1875
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.
Email me. Tbird423@aol.com
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
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
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
I have artifacts for sale
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.
Do you still have arrow heads you want to get rid of?
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
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
Would you like to sell them? I live in Gibson county and I would like to come look at them
I’m very interested in buying your arrowheads. Email or txt me at. awaiphone@gmail.com or txt at 205-317-1875
I Have several arrowheads I need to sale TODAY…
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.
Found several in Greenbrier.
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.
I’m very interested in buying your arrowheads. Email or txt me at. awaiphone@gmail.com or txt at 205-317-1875
I’m interested in authentic native American Indian relics,to purchase.
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
I’m very interested in buying your arrowheads. Email or txt me at. awaiphone@gmail.com or txt at 205-317-1875
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?
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
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.
I’m very interested in buying your arrowheads. Email or txt me at. awaiphone@gmail.com or txt at 205-317-1875
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.
I have a large collection of arrowheads my father left me. I am interested in selling them.
I’m very interested in buying your arrowheads. Email or txt me at. awaiphone@gmail.com or txt at 205-317-1875
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
I have several arrowheads and some other items as well. I’m hoping to sell quickly. 9312845181 (Putnam county area)
Is there someone on here that could possibly look at some of my arrowheads and tell me what I’ve found?
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
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
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