Large 3.5" Beveled & Heavily Patinated Illinois Native American Projectile Point – Chert

Arrowheads and stone tools weren’t just tools—they were often traded like money. Tribes valued them for their usefulness and skillful craftsmanship, making them a form of early currency in Native American trade long before coins came along. A large, impressive 3½-inch knapped stone projectile point / hafted knife, reportedly from Illinois, displaying substantial age-related surface patination and a broad, elongated blade. This is the kind of piece that commands attention in any collection — its creamy white patination, pronounced beveling, and complete form make it a standout display artifact. The handwritten collector notation accompanying it reads: "BEVELED 3½" WELL-PATINATED ILLINOIS POINT." Artifact Details Culture/Period: Prehistoric Native American, exact period undetermined Region: Illinois, per collector attribution Material: Chert/flint, probable Length: Approx. 3½ inches Form: Large projectile point / hafted knife Surface: Heavily patinated (cream/white) Type: Unclassified / attribution uncertain Description The artifact features a pronounced pointed tip, long convex-to-nearly-straight blade edges, a defined shoulder/hafting transition, and a broad basal area. The underlying stone appears consistent with chert/flint, a standard raw material for prehistoric Illinois chipped-stone tools. At 3½ inches, this is large enough to be described as a projectile point or hafted knife rather than a simple arrowhead. Large Illinois points frequently represent dart, spear, or multipurpose hafted cutting implements. Visually, its size and workmanship are consistent with Archaic-period forms, though no definitive type assignment is made here. Provenance & Authentication Notice Sold as an unidentified prehistoric stone artifact based on collector attribution; exact age, culture, and archaeological type have not been independently authenticated. No specific find-site provenance documentation accompanies this piece. Buyers seeking formal authentication are encouraged to consult a qualified archaeologist or recognized authentication service.