Early-side-notched-knife
This is an extremely rare artifact called "Early Side-notched Knife" or "Scraper" or "Tang Knife" and comes from the same period as the Clovis point, Early Paleo-Indian Period (9,000-10,000 BC) and that is a long time ago. This is an excellent and perfect specimen found in Val Verde County. According to Virgil Russel in "Indian Artifacts" archeologist will only see less than 10 of these in their lifetime. Considered Invaluable. they were used by Medicine Men in the initiation rite of young boys where an incision was made under each breast and rawhide was tied through the incisions and the youth hung and suspended by these. It he failed to rip the skin and fall to the ground and remained hanging he was still a youth. If he endured the pain to rip his skin and fall to the ground he was a man. No one really knows but it is considered a plausible story considering their rarity. This resides in my office.
© Emile Abbott
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