Newsletter

Join The Club!

Can you find arrowheads with a metal detector? - Yes

Even though most common arrowheads are not made of metal, whether or not a metal detector will pick up arrowheads is a common question we receive.  While metal detectors do not sense items that are composed of rock, it is a little known fact that Native Americans did use metal for the construction of arrowheads very late in their legacy.

Native American "bird point" arrowhead found metal detecting with the XP Deus II metal detector.
native american indian copper arrowhead found metal detecting

When settlers came to the new land they were using all types of metals for weapons, pots and pans, jewelry, machine parts and material.  As innovative as the Native Americans were, it certainly didn't take long for them to incorporate these new materials into their lives.  These items would be often be acquired through trade and sometimes through violence.  As they acquired these items they would be used for their intended purpose and often retrofitted for another use. For instance we frequently find copper points that were punched out of copper pots.  We even find pieces of cut copper and you can see where they had cut out the shape of an arrowhead.  These types of arrowheads can readily be found in these long forgotten sites with a metal detector.

Here is the kicker.  You CAN find stone arrowheads while metal detecting these sites as you are digging up other targets.  In fact, it happens quite often.  I surmise there are two main reasons for this.

  1. The periods of Native Americans using exclusively stone tools and the period where they began using metal tools overlapped significantly.
  2. The sites where the tribes were relocated were often sites that had previously been occupied by their ancestors (i.e. locations with a good water source, farming ground, or good hunting land, etc.).

As Native Americans eventually begin using more and more modern tools, they certainly continued to carry and use the stone weapons their ancestors relied upon for so many centuries as they could be created using what nature provided and they still had the knowledge to do this on a whim if they needed to.

Native American Hide Scraper found with XP Deus II Metal Detector along with a Gun Partnative american indian tool found metal detecting

We detect late Native sites (post the horrific relocations events) quite often. It is absolutely thrilling to see the progression of history as you dig up layer after layer.  If you can locate one of these sites and manage to gain permission to hunt it, you will find a site that will provide years and years of metal detecting enjoyment.  You can find all sorts of retrofitted metal items and as you do, you will also, more than likely, stumble across some stone tools such as points, scrapers, flint chips, and more.  And, don't be surprised if you also happen to find some gold and silver jewelry or old coins as well.

Need proof that I am telling the truth?  Below is a video of ScrapIron from High Plains Prospectors actually doing it!

You Might Be Interested In

Equinox 900 Bundles

Choose from multiple different moneys saving bundles and get the gear you need.

Sand Scoops & Beach Gear

Check out our sand and beach scoops. Several different styles available.

Coin & Relic Cleaning Supplies

Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review.
Used Minelab CTX 3030 Waterproof Metal Detector
51% off
Used Minelab CTX 3030 Waterproof Metal Detector

Used Minelab CTX 3030 Waterproof Metal Detector

Sale price
$1,190
Regular price
$2,400
New, Open box - Minelab CTX 3030 17" DD Smart Coil
38% off
New, Open box - Minelab CTX 3030 17" DD Smart Coil
2

New, Open box - Minelab CTX 3030 17" DD Smart Coil

Sale price
$325
Regular price
$520
Used Fisher 1265X Metal Detector
Used Fisher 1265X Metal Detector

Used Fisher 1265X Metal Detector

Price
$125
Used Fisher Gold Bug 2 Original Version with 10" Coil
Sold out
Used Fisher Gold Bug 2 Original Version with 10" Coil

Used Fisher Gold Bug 2 Original Version with 10" Coil

Sale price
$250
Regular price
$679
Used Once - Returned Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro-Pack with 3 Coils
27% off
Used Once - Returned Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro-Pack with 3 Coils

Used Once - Returned Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro-Pack with 3 Coils

Sale price
$475
Regular price
$649
Used Tesoro Tejon Metal Detector
Sold out

Used Tesoro Tejon Metal Detector

Sale price
$150
Regular price
$549.15
New, Unused, No Box - XP DEUS and ORX X35 11" Round x35 Frequency Waterproof DD Search Coil
47% off
New, Unused, No Box - XP DEUS and ORX X35 11" Round x35 Frequency Waterproof DD Search Coil

New, Unused, No Box - XP DEUS and ORX X35 11" Round x35 Frequency Waterproof DD Search Coil

Sale price
$200
Regular price
$375.29
Used and Demo Metal Detectors For Sale

Shop All

Used and Demo Metal Detectors and Gold Prospecting Equipment