Journal Volume 36, Number 2, April 1989
JAMES MADDOX
Niantic, Illinois
Since time began, there has been an extremely rare group of people who have a special gift—the gift to listen to the stirring of a soul and the ability to transform that into something tangible. Anyone who has ever looked at a genuine Rembrandt or Charles M. Russell painting will know what I mean. This special gift might also be seen in a building by Frank Lloyd Wright, or in the English-designed Spitfire airplane of World War II. This gift can emerge in a variety of forms in all ages.
I submit that some of the makers of fluted points had this gift. Most would seek the best stone. Some would go to great effort to produce a fine point, but there was an occasional artisan who would see more in a stone. He would first have to see it in his mind. Then he set such standards that he would not stop work until the stone he held matched that in his mind. Whether in stone or paint on canvas, a master’s work will speak for itself.
After viewing many fluted points, I believe the two points shown below meet the requirements to be called great works of art. By giving recognition to the work, we are in a sense, paying tribute to the spirit of the maker.
Fluted points from Fulton County, Illinois and La Salle County, Illinois. . From the collection of James Maddox, Niantic, Illinois.
