Old Copper Culture Artifacts: Catalog Estimates and Collection History. Early 20th century catalog by P.V. Lawson estimated around 13,000 copper artifacts Over 100 years later, estimates are around 20,000 or more Mining tools thousands of years old were found still inside pits
A 1900s inventory by Lawson of Menasha, Wisconsin compiled the most comprehensive estimate of Old Copper artifacts, numbering at least 13,000 (Brown 1904). Over 100 years later, estimates continue to grow beyond these early figures. Mining tools over 4,000 years old have been documented in the Great Lakes region, with copper mining on Isle Royale spanning more than 4,500 years. Hobbyist metal detectors became widely available in the 1970s, helping uncover previously lost pieces. Many artifacts remain in private collections.
Key Facts
- Early 20th century catalog by P.V. Lawson estimated around 13,000 copper artifacts
- Over 100 years later, estimates are around 20,000 or more
- Mining tools thousands of years old were found still inside pits
- Metal detectors became available in early 1970s, allowing discovery of lost artifacts
- Many artifacts remain in private hands or unaccounted for
- Copper became a status symbol as deposits ran out
- Grooved hammerstones used by Minoans were similar to Lake Superior copper tools
- Grooved hammerstones are a common stone tool type not unique to these cultures
Source: World's First Metal Artifacts: The Old Copper Culture (& Minoans) by DeDunking