Hand-knapped arrowheads, knifeblades and spearpoints by craftsman Russ Ivey of North Idaho. The stones worked are various: obsidian, double-flow dark or grey, translucent, truly fantastic "double flow lace" or "Midnight Lace", "pumpkin" or "mahogany", also novaculite, Brazilian agate, Australian Mokaite, agate, opal, flint, and Oklahoma chert--mostly hand collected by Mr. Ivey.
There are broad spear points, fish points, as well as the famous Clovis point, Dalton and Calf Creek styles. Most of the knapping is in a good parallel flake. The Trading Post is very happy to offer these items to you and more!
Russ learned his art from a native master "Nine-Fingers" in Arizona (that obsidian is sharp) and puts every bit of his energy into these objects--contemplating his place in life and history.
Russell is widely known around here as one of the best bow hunters and elk hunters in the county.
Click photo detail dots
or photos
for larger images.
Material Description
For those who don't know these materials let me try and describe them... however there is no substitute for seeing them in your own hand in natural light. The native americans also chose their materials for not only practical, but aesthetic reasons.
"Rainbow Sheen" or "golden rainbow sheen" is an obsidian with the ability to produce a reflective "oil-on-water" effect when turned in the light. I tried to capture this effect in the detail photo--with very limited success.
"Midnight Lace" is a double-flow obsidian with clear portions, dark portions, and sometimes a bit of red as well. The photos show this to some extent.
"Pumpkin" is a consistently orange/red colored obsidian.
"Double-Flow" refers to an obsidian which has been formed by many layers of the glass flowing over one-another; each with it's own distinct coloration.
Novaculite is a stone which requires high temperature hardening and whose color and translucence is as ephemeral as ceramic firing; many effects are created and variety is dramatic. Translucence is common.
Oklahoma Chert takes me back to the days of finding arrowheads on the banks of the rivers in Missouri as a child. It's a creamy, "skin"-colored stone of great hardness (it also required firing.)
[ Lookin' good, Russell ! ]
... but you'll probably prefer looking at the photos of his arrowheads!
[If you receive the arrowhead, knifeblade, or spearpoint, after payment, and find it less than you expected--please feel free to return the arrowhead or spearpoint for a full refund less shipping costs. That's how sure we are of their quality!]
Please contact us if you see something you need replicated... or any general questions about the items displayed here.
Beautiful Chert Points--$10/each All based upon traditional or prehistoric styles. All with that beautiful waxy shine.
Oklahoma Chert
Wide or full-edge points--$10/each
O P
Rainbow Sheen Obsidian Points (must see to appreciate)-$20/each
Kutenai Flint-- $15
These points are knapped from actual pre-worked flint chips which Russell foundon the banks of the Kootenai river. Flint of this nature does not exist in our area and had to be traded from far away in Montana. They had been tossed aside after the larger design they were intended for broke or hinged out on them. Russell finished working them in a smaller yet typical design of Kutenai traditon.
A
B
Kutenai Flint
Novaculite $10-- Not as clear as obsidian... but with a marvelous translucence and variation in color. Various styles.
A B C D E F
Novaculite $10-- Not as clear as obsidian... but with a marvelous translucence and variation in color. Various styles.
G H I
Novaculite
Novaculite
All written information, photos, layout, ad copy, and artwork on these pages--unless otherwise noted--are copyrighted in 2005 by Karl Heiss for exclusive use by the Straw Bale Trading Post. For permission to copy or reprint any of these created works in part or their entirety please contact the site administrator at yerbatrade@yahoo.com
