9/5/2023 0 Comments Projectile pointPoint makers in general were conformists and manufactured tips according to prevailing culturally accepted styles. While there are often modest regional variations in point types, there is rarely evidence of individual expression. For example, contracting stemmed points are called Waubesa in Wisconsin and the Upper Mississippi Valley, and nearly identical points are called Belknap or Dickson in Illinois and Gary points to the south and east. At the transition from Archaic to Woodland traditions there was a widespread shift to contracting stemmed point types, and toward the end of prehistory virtually every culture adopted unnotched triangular arrow tips.Īlthough many basic point styles were widespread, they often have a variety of regional names. Several thousand years later, side-notched forms were being used by Archaic cultures throughout much of eastern North America. For example, Paleo-Indian fluted spear tips, dating between 11,300 and 10,200 years ago (uncalibrated), have been found in every state between the Rocky Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. In either case, it is somewhat astounding how widespread the use of certain projectile point styles was during particular periods of midwestern prehistory. Sometimes these changes reflect technological shifts, while other times they appear to be simply fads. Projectile point styles changed through time, much like automobile styles. The vast majority of these were made by chipping various types of “flint” to shape the projectile point for penetration, cutting, and hafting. In prehistoric North America, they were made from a variety of materials, including antler, bone, and copper but most, at least most that have preserved, were made from stone. Projectile points are tips fastened to the ends of spears, darts, and arrow shafts. Link to a list of state archaeologists can be found online. For help identifying artifacts found outside the Upper Midwest contact that state’s archaeologist. Responses will be sent as soon as possible. ![]() Include in your email a description of the item, where it was found, and attach a picture of the artifact with a scale. If you would like help identifying an artifact in the Upper Mississippi River Valley or the Upper Midwest please email Jean Dowiasch at Jean. Link to information about purchasing a Projectile Point Guide for the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Projectile Point Features and Terminology.
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