| Because many thousands of ancient archaeological sites still remain in America and especially the Plains and High Plains, Avocational Archaeology is very important. Each year many Indian artifacts are broken and destroyed by livestock, the freezing and thawing process of the seasons, farm machinery, construction of buildings, homes, and roads, and many other reasons. When someone walks the fields, pastures, construction sites, and roads of Nebraska looking for old and ancient man made items, and if that person locates an artifact he or she should take measures to document the location for the future archaeological record of Nebraska. And more importantly, the artifact has now been recovered and preserved and has escaped the future inevitability of being destroyed. Recovered and preserved artifacts with provenance, (it's complete history), are cherished by many people. This has been demonstrated at the Seward, Nebraska Artifact Show. Avocationals have on display their artifacts and 1000 people show up to admire and learn. Simply, there are not enough Professional Archaeologists in the United States to successfully research all of the sites and artifacts and inform the public. The Nebraska and High Plains Avocational Archaeologist help fill in these gaps and work with professional archaeologists on a common goal. |
| A well made authentic ancient spear point which was recovered in Northwest Nebraska. An "Alberta" that dates to around 9500 years before present. (left). An ancient "Clovis" Spear point found in South Central Nebraska dating to approximately 13,000 years before present. Courtesy of Ron Martin. |
| This Point was photographed "in situ" and recovered by Garry Weinmeister of Colorado. It had eroded from the embankment, where it had been preserved for about 1000 years. It is called a Bonito and dates to around 1000 A.D. Courtesy of Garry Weinmeister. |
| This beautiful collection of Authentic Native American Artifacts is owned by Lyle Nickel. Lyle has been studying Western Oklahoma artifacts for many, many years. Many of these artifacts are made of Alibates, named after the rancher who discovered the source of the purple hued lithic material along the Canadian River in Texas and Oklahoma. The ranchers name who discovered the material.....Allen Bates. Courtesy Lyle Nickel. |
| This rare, beautiful, translucent Paleo-Indian "Folsom" point is truly, one-of-a-kind. Found in New Mexico, it was probably lost about 10,000 years ago during a hunt for big game. It is made of volcanic glass. Courtesy Ron Van Heukelom. |
| I am interested in purchasing old/ancient artifacts from Nebraska and the High Plains. I will buy one or a collection if they are authentic. |
| I had a pleasant visit with Lois, a nice person who had hunted for artifacts with her husband for many years. They have compiled a nice collection of Western Nebraska artifacts, including some made of Alibates, Volcanic Glass, Spanish Diggings, and many others. Thank you L.! |
| Thank you Mr. and Mrs. 'P' for chatting and providing me with the opportunity to learn more about Western Nebraska History and your artifacts. Thank you sincerely, and what a great collection. |
| A Short Editorial on Avocational Archaeology |
| A beautiful display of Western Nebraska artifacts recovered and displayed by 'G' who has been collecting since childhood. Thank you very much! |
| A rare look at early pioneer life on the plains. These dark root beer colored glass bottles were named "Bitters" and date to the middle 1800's, and were found at an old Indian wars Fort Site in Western Nebraska. Thank you for sharing their story. |
| AJ Stebbing Avocational Archaeology Page 2 |
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| Flicker Slide Show Lancaster County Sheriff Links Contact Us About Us Please feel free to contact us, Andy and Jenny Stebbing with comments, suggestions, and information. |