~ Large Paleo Wrench Knife ~ From Cumberland Site ~

Length: 4 7/8"

Grade: 9

Description: This large Paleo-Indian tool has been called a Paleo Wench due to its shape. The curved notch in the stone is carefully shaped and suggests that this used when butching around the bones of Ice Age mammals. It was recovered near Dover, Tennessee, in Stewart County within the Cumberland River basin—an area well-known for producing classic Cumberland-complex artifacts. Crafted from a fine-grained Dover chert, the piece is an impressive Flake Knife associated with Cumberland point manufacturing ( a 5" Fluted Cumberland was found on this site). It displays nice pressure flaking, typical of early Paleo workmanship. Tools of this type were essential multi-purpose implements, used for butchering, hide processing, and general camp tasks, and often accompanied the production of fluted Cumberland spear points at workshop sites. This example shows excellent age, mineral patination, and authentic Paleo craftsmanship, making it a significant specimen from one of the most important early hunter sites in the region.

Provenance: Found on private property with permission near Dover in Stewart Co. Tennessee, Cumberland River Basin. Ex George Williams Collection.