PAGE 1
 modern points made from opal
real and synthetic opal
PRESENT DAY
PAGE 1 OF 2 PAGES
COPYRIGHT MARCH 31, 2003 PETER A. BOSTROM
Real opal and synthetic opal arrowheads.
MODERN-MADE POINTS
MADE FROM REAL AUSTRALIAN OPAL AND SYNTHETIC OPAL
PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

ABSTRACT:
Seven opal arrowheads----real and synthetic.

REAL AND SYNTHETIC OPAL
MADE BY MODERN-DAY FLINTKNAPPERS

   This article illustrates several different examples of arrow points that were made out of real and synthetic opal. They were made over the last 50 years by modern-day flintknappers. The earliest is an example that was made of real opal by Don Crabtree, who was a famous experimental archaeologist. Another point, that is illustrated here, must be one of the most beautiful arrow points ever made. It was made by Jim Hopper from what is apparently a fairly rare form of synthetic opal.

   "The shaping of stone by fracture processes is one of the earliest as well as one of the most important "arts" of primitive men"------1912, The Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico

Three Australian opal arrowheads.
CLICK ON PICTURE FOR LARGE IMAGE
THREE ARROW POINTS MADE FROM AUSTRALIAN OPAL
THE LARGEST ONE MEASURES 1 3/8 INCHES (3.5 CM) LONG.

ARROWHEADS MADE

FROM OPAL

   The first direct evidence of the use of arrows rather than spears comes from Stellmoor in western Germany. Arrow shafts found there were dated to 10,500 years ago. So arrowheads have been made for a very long time and they would number in the countless millions world wide. It's logical to assume that most of these arrow heads would fall into the utilitarian category and the rest would be ceremonial in nature. Most of those allocated to ceremonial would most probably have ended up as grave offerings.

Opal arrow point made by Don Crabtree.
CLICK ON PICTURE FOR LARGE IMAGE
MODERN-MADE ARROW POINT
MADE BY DON CRABTREE
AUSTRALIAN OPAL
THE HERRETT MUSEUM, COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO COLLECTION

   This very skillfully flaked point was made several years ago by Don Crabtree. Mr. Crabtree was one of the early experimental archaeologists who was trying to duplicate ancient stone tool making techniques. This point was made from real opal. It measures 1 5/8 inches (4.2 cm) long.

    In recent years, probably no more than the last twenty, we are seeing increasing numbers of arrowheads being made and sold, only as art objects. No one could argue that the most artistic and beautiful stone arrow points that have ever been made are actually being made now. It's a new phenomenon that hasn't been seen before, at least not within past Stone Age cultures.

Synthetic opal arrow point.
CLICK ON PICTURE FOR LARGE IMAGE
MODERN-MADE ARROW POINT
UNKNOWN ARTIST
SYNTHETIC OPAL
PRIVATE COLLECTION

   This beautiful point was made from good quality synthetic opal. Depending on the light, it can look translucent or opaque and will reflect many different iridescent colors. This point measures 1 1/4 inches (3.2 cm) long.

   Small arrow heads, and of course large points too, are being made out of the most beautiful stones the craftsman can find. This is all for the sake of art to enhance the finished piece. The most rare and beautiful stone being used are opals, both real and synthetic.

CONTINUE ON TO PAGE TWO

"REFERENCES"

1912, "Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico", Smithsonian Institution pub., Part 1 Bulletin 30, PP 465.

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