~ Sharpening / Wet Stone ~ Tennessee River Valley ~ North Alabama ~

Length: 4 1/8"

Grade: 8

Description: This heavy, dark slate artifact bears deep parallel grooves and worn striations from repeated sharpening use during prehistoric times. One side shows a distinctly recessed channel likely employed for honing beaver incisors—tools commonly used by Native craftsmen for fine flintknapping and hide-working. The opposite face exhibits broader, smoothed areas indicative of repeated grinding and maintenance of bone harpoon points. The overall wear and polish suggest long-term utilitarian use, reflecting the skilled tool maintenance practices of Indian cultures in the region.

Provenance: Found on private property with permission Tennessee River Basin, Cherokee Alabama.