Deeper in the site, click this logo to return to the main page.

 
Phoenix Obsidian Designs
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS


Divider Line

Home Page Button Online Store Front Made-to-Order Arrowheads Arrowhead Jewelry Obsidian Knives Flintknapped Treasures Stone Tools Flintknapping Supplies Primitive Technology Educational Supplies Primitive Technology Supplies Phoenix Obsidian Designs Information Phoenix Obsidian Designs Business Center Frequently Asked Questions Wholesale Purchasing Flintknapping Information Links Join Our Mailing List
 
FOR GREAT
GIFT IDEAS
BE SURE TO
VISIT OUR
ONLINE
STORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONLINE STOREARROWHEADSJEWELRY       EDUCATIONAL MATERIALGIFTS
 ARTIFACT REPLICASKNIVES   FLINTKNAPPING SUPPLIESREPLICATION SUPPLIES
Divider Line
 

Dr. Susan Gleason
 
Below are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions, both through e-mail and at shows.   All are answered by our primary flintknapper and the business owner pictured to the left  -
Dr. Susan "Arizona" Gleason
 

Are these Arrowheads real?

What is Flintknapping?

Why do you make artifacts - Isn't it just easier to find them?

Do you really make all this stuff?

What do you mean by Traditionally Made?

Do you tan the hides or trap for the furs you sell?

Can you make me xxxxxx?

Do you buy or sell artifacts?

Are you really an Archaeologist?

Why does it take so long for me to get what I ordered?

Can you rush fill an order for me?

How can I place an order?

Do You Take Purchase Orders?

Do You Sell Items Wholesale?

Do You Warranty Your Items?

 

Are these Arrowheads Real?

Depends on what you mean by "Real".   This is the question almost every kid asks when looking at my stuff.   My usual answer is "YES ... put the arrowhead on an arrow and it will kill a deer".   This answer usually drives the kids crazy since what they are really asking is if these are old artifacts and not modern ones.   So to answer this question  -  all items sold through this site are made by me, who was adopted into a Native American tribe, and consequently are modern items but made in the traditional ancient methods.   They are "real" in every sense except being "old".

BACK TO TOP

What is Flintknapping?

The Art and Science of Making Stone Tools.   Specifically  -  the process of precisely applying one of several possible reduction techniques to a lithic material in order to produce a desired outcome.   The application of and choice of reduction technique is based upon an intimate knowledge of the materials breakage patterns (like Conchoidal Fracturing) acquired through training and/or experience.   The most recognized desired outcome of flintknapping is the production of stone arrowheads.
You might want to visit our Introduction to Flintknapping page

BACK TO TOP

Why do you make artifacts?
Isn't it just easier to find them?

I make artifact replicas so that everyone can get the feel of this ancient craft.   Instead of one-of-a-kind museum objects these are items that can be felt and experienced.   These are items that can be passed around a classrom and if they are broken or disappear for some reason they can be easily replaced  -  simply order another.   These replicas can also be used  -  for experimental purposes, education or for reenactments.   They are not used up and discarded examples, like most archaeological objects, but are fresh new and ready to be used tools.   To a large extent, using these modern examples for such purposes is showing respect to the older artifacts as well as keeping the ancient technologies alive today.

BACK TO TOP

Do you really make all this stuff?

Quite a bit of the stuff you see here, I personally handmake  -  the stone objects, as well as most of the leather working and feather work.   However I do have several other local artisans working with me to do the beadwork, dreamcatcher weaving, etc.   There are only a very few items I sell that are "Chindian"  -  i.e., made in China.   Then there is quite a bit which is actually "Indian" made  -  i.e., made in India, specifically the bone beads.   However, I indicate up front all such items.

BACK TO TOP

What do you mean by Traditionally Made?

I follow as closely as possible the ancient methods of making the stone tools that I sell and many of the other items as well.   There are no power tools used for cutting, shaping, drilling, or pounding.   I do however use copper and brass bits for my pressure flaking work instead of the harder to obtain antler.   This isn't quite untraditional since these materials were used where they were found in native form  -  i.e., Near East, MesoAmerica, Northwest and Northeast America.   I also use a metal rock pick instead of a stone chopper in shaping the groundstone unless otherwise requested.   Using the rock pick cuts production time in almost exactly half without noticably altering the appearance or surface consistency.

BACK TO TOP

Do you tan the hides or trap for the furs you sell?

I've tanned a few hides but from that experience I prefer to buy the hides I use.   Likewise I buy most of the furs and tails and other such natural items.   Some are farm raised (like the foxes) and others are legally and ethically collected.   A very high percentage of the animal parts that the business sells are from animals that were not killed for those parts.   Instead most of them are road kill or are animals killed as nuisances or predators elsewhere in the country.   My philosophy is that if the animal is going to be killed, every part of that animal should be used and not thrown disrespectfully into the dumpster.   This attitude is simply being respectful to the animal and the environment from which it came.   The furs will only be available until the end of 2022 because of laws in California that go into effect in 2023 that will prohibit the sale of any fur or fur products.

BACK TO TOP

Can you make me xxxxx?

There are many items I can replicate.   I'm always willing to take up a challenge.   Simply send me a picture, provide me with the appropriate raw materials, and I'll give it my best shot.   I can't promise that I'll be successful but I'll get as close as I personally can.   There are several specific flintknapping achievements I have yet to master and I'll let you honestly know if your desire is one of them.

BACK TO TOP

Do you buy or sell artifacts?

NO.   As a professional archaeologist, I do not condone or wish to participate in such activities.   I'll give you an appraisal of the worth of your item or collection - but simply for insurance purposes.   I do, however, encourage you to keep detailed notes concerning any such object you acquire.   That information is the true worth of an artifact  -  both for a collector and for an archaeologist.   Location collection information increases the monetary value of any such piece and the lack of this information will frequently make the object worth less than the modern replicas that you can purchase on this website.

BACK TO TOP

Are you really an Archaeologist?

Yep.   I've got that fancy degree - a Ph.D. in archaeology.   I've personally gotten dirty while participating in digs in California, Oregon, and Nevada.   Nowadays I do archaeological consulting work with a few tribal groups and private individuals.   However, most of my current projects are simply in the fields of education and experimental archaeology.

BACK TO TOP

Why does it take so long for me to get what I ordered?

Most items are handmade after you order it.   So it takes the time to make it and then the shipping time on top of that.   Meanwhile, I'm the only one involved in filling orders and shipping items  -  so if I get sick or lose internet signal or have another problem ... your order may be delayed.   I do my best to ship out your order as soon as possible, but I'm only human.   The calendar shows how busy I am at times and this can interfer with quickly filling your order as well.   If you order a mortar and I'm out of state at a conference, it will have to wait until I'm back in town.   The weather can be a factor as well  -  if it is pouring rain, snowing, or extremely cold that can delay in the making of items that I can only make outside ... for instance most of the stone and bone tool replicas.

Please allow manufacturing time  (not including shipping time):
3-4 weeks for Stock Items  (i.e., "Artist's Choice")
4-8 weeks for Custom Items
      (NOTE:  Most simple orders will be shipped in less than 2 to 3 weeks if weather, health, and other factors permit)
1-2 weeks for Flintknapping Supplies and Online Store orders

BACK TO TOP

Can you rush fill an order for me?

Depends on the particular items you are interested in.   If you want twenty metates the answer would probably be a no since it will take me over a year to make that many.   Likewise if it is a couple hundred arrowheads it will take around two months.   However, if it is a simple arrowhead necklace then the answer would be probably yes.   If the item is something I generally have in stock  -  like flintknapping supplies - the answer would also be yes.   If you ask - I'll be honest with you in terms of my ability to fill your order quickly.   Of course, I have no control over the speed of the postal service.

BACK TO TOP

How Can I Place An Order?

I primarily suggest you use the on-line PayPal Shopping Cart System to place and pay for your order.   This option will result in you receiving your order with the least delay.   Phone Ordering is not currently available due to the closure of our storefront location.   Feel free to send an e-mail and ask us to call you in order to discuss what you might wish to purchase.   If you then wish to place the order, please have your credit card information including the billing zip code and card verification code.

BACK TO TOP

Do You Take Purchase Orders?

YES.   However, Purchase Orders are only accepted from qualified sources like universities.   Please  CONTACT US  before sending your purchase order by mail or e-mail.

BACK TO TOP

Do You Sell Items Wholesale?

YES.   There are special wholesale prices on bulk purchases through our Wholesale pages.   Otherwise, you can contact us for special pricing with a minimum purchase of $300 (before discount) or twelve of a particular item.   Discount pricing is significantly graduated based upon the total purchase amount.   Please  CONTACT US  for further information.

BACK TO TOP

Do You Warranty Your Items?

Most of our jewelry and tools come with a limited six month warranty.   To return an item for repair, package it as a return and send it prepaid and insured.   Describe the problem and allow 3-6 weeks after received for repair or replacement.

BACK TO TOP


 
This site designed and maintained by Dr. Arizona's Webmastering Solutions
Divider Line
ONLINE STOREARROWHEADSJEWELRY       EDUCATIONAL MATERIALGIFTS
 ARTIFACT REPLICASKNIVES   FLINTKNAPPING SUPPLIESREPLICATION SUPPLIES
Divider Line

Copyright © 2021, Phoenix Obsidian Designs.
All Rights Reserved.   LEGAL NOTICE
Page last Updated -- 02/28/21