Tools Leave Marks: Material Analysis of the Scotford-Soper-Savage Michigan Relics

Extensive collections of supposedly prehistoric artifacts known as the Michigan Relics or the Scotford-Soper-Savage collection—possibly as many as 3,000 pieces—exist across the country. I have personally examined more than 1,000 from four different collections. What is so special about this collection of artifacts? Why does it merit further study? Although numerous previous studies have suggested that the materials were not made by ancient people but are of modern origin, there is ongoing interest in the collection. The Michigan State Archives was responding to queries as this piece was being written in 2000.