How to Find Native American Arrowheads

Like in so many things, the first thing to take into account is location. To find Native American artifacts, you have to be where the Native Americans were. The best and most likely place to find arrowheads and other artifacts is at the location of a former village. It’s usually not difficult to track down information about local villages, and if a quick Internet search doesn’t turn up any results, check with your local library.

Alternatively, you can also find arrowheads away from villages. Although they are not as common and take a little more searching, these arrowheads can be pretty much anywhere, as they have been lost on hunts.

But again, location is key. Even though New York City was once inhabited by the Lenape, you don’t need to be told you’re unlikely to find any arrowheads there. Instead you’ll want to get out where the earth hasn’t been covered up or battered down. You want the opposite, in fact. You’ll want to find where the earth has been opened up or turned over. Recently plowed fields, construction sites, and eroded hills are best. Turning over the earth brings the long-buried artifacts back to the surface. Shallow creek beds are another great spot to look for artifacts.

Go after a rain. A good rainfall washes away sediment and brings the arrowheads to the surface. It also tints objects a different color than the soil around it, an effect that decreases as they dry out.

Look for evidence of occupation. Learn to identify the difference between a stone that has been run over by a plow and one that has been worked by a hand. Look for ashes and soil that is the evidence of a campfire. If you can’t find any evidence of occupation, go somewhere else.

Dedication is also important. You’ll find something, just keep looking. And remember to ask permission before traipsing through a farmer’s field and to always be respectful.