Prehistoric Native American Artifacts

Local collectors of arrow-heads, pottery, and other Native American artifacts had their collection donated to the Southern Ohio Museum after they had passed away. Charles and William Wertz had collected more than 10,000 pieces of prehistoric Native American objects from the west side of Scioto County during their lifetimes. This extensive collection became "The Art of the Ancients" exhbit at the Southern Ohio Museum. It is one of two permanent exhibits at the art museum. The collection consists of not only arrowheads, but necklaces, bone fish hooks, tools, games, and effigy pipes crafted in a variety of animal shapes. (An effigy is a likeness or representation of an object.) The pieces in the collection have been dated by the Ohio Historical Society as ranging in age from 1,500 to 8,000 years old. During our visit, the children had an opportunity to view first hand and learn more about the Native Americans who inhabited our area thousands of years ago. The photos above show the children as they are viewing the artifacts and after our visit, just outside the front doors of the museum.