Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 15:
3 1/8" Nicely Made Texas Tang Knife, Ex Wrage & Downing
This 3 1/8 inch Tang Knife is made from high quality Central Texas chert and represents a classic example of the Early Archaic tang blade tradition of the Edwards Plateau. Tang knives of this form served as durable cutting and butchering tools and this specimen displays the hallmark traits of authentic Archaic workmanship. Estimated age is approximately 4500 to 3000 years BP placing it within the Early to Middle Archaic period of Central Texas.
The piece is knapped from a fine grained Texas chert with warm coloration typical of Edwards Plateau material. The surface shows well developed patination softened high points mineral sheen in recessed flake scars no modern breaks and consistent aging inside the notches and across both faces. The patina is natural and ancient with no signs of modern enhancement.
The knife was produced from a spall a method commonly used by Archaic knappers. It retains a natural dorsal ridge forming a subtle medial ridge broad percussion flaking that established the blade shape pressure retouched edges for final sharpening and a sturdy cross section that is thicker at the base and tapers toward the tip. The flake pattern is irregular and varied consistent with aboriginal pressure flaking rather than modern copper tool work.
The form matches documented Texas Tang Knife examples including a triangular blade with natural spall derived taper deep asymmetrical side notches forming a short squared tang slightly expanding shoulders and a straight to subtly rounded base. These traits align closely with Early Archaic tang blade forms from the Edwards Plateau region.
Condition is excellent for an Early Archaic tool. The edges show ancient micro rounding the tip is intact with minor prehistoric use wear there is no modern retouch or restoration and the notches exhibit natural patina and authentic flake geometry. The piece retains its original archaeological surface.
Based on its form workmanship patination and regional context this is a strong and unquestionably authentic example of a Texas Tang Knife.
Provenance. Ex Brian Wrage Collection. Ex Dean Downing Collection
Condition: Authentic
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