Projectile Point in Archaeology

Projectile points, also known as arrowheads or spearheads, have been used throughout history for hunting and warfare. Their unique shapes and sizes offer clues to archaeologists about past civilizations, technological advancements, and migration patterns.

Types of Projectile Points

There is a vast range of projectile points, each varying in form, size, and material, associated with different archaeological cultures and periods. Some notable types include:

1. Clovis points: Named after the site where they were first discovered in Clovis, New Mexico, they are known for their distinct, fluted shape [1].
2. Folsom points: They are similar to Clovis points but are typically smaller and have more intricate fluting. They were discovered near Folsom, New Mexico [2].
3. Mousterian points: These points are associated with Neanderthals in Europe and West Asia, dating back to the Middle Paleolithic era. They often have a bifacial design [3].

Materials Used

Projectile points were made using a variety of materials, primarily stones that could be easily shaped. The choice of material often depended on the local resources available.

• Flint: A common material due to its workability and availability.
• Obsidian: Highly valued for its sharpness and glass-like appearance.
• Quartzite: Used frequently in regions where flint and obsidian were scarce [4].

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of projectile points involved a process called knapping, where a larger piece of stone is struck with a ‘hammerstone’ to remove flakes and achieve the desired shape. Two key techniques were:

1. Pressure flaking: This involved using a pointed tool to apply pressure and detach small flakes from the stone [5].
2. Percussion flaking: This technique used a hard object to strike the stone and remove larger flakes.

Use in Archaeology

Projectile points are extremely valuable to archaeologists for several reasons:

Cultural Identification

The design of projectile points can help identify the culture or civilization that created them. Different cultures have unique point designs, often evolving over time. For instance, the transition from Clovis to Folsom points signifies cultural evolution in early North American societies.

Technological Advancement

The complexity of a projectile point’s design can indicate the level of technological sophistication of a society. For instance, the progression from simpler, unifacial points to complex, bifacial points indicates a significant advance in stone tool technology.

Trade and Migration Patterns

The presence of a specific type of projectile point far from its source material can suggest trade or migration routes. For example, the discovery of obsidian points far from any known obsidian sources implies long-distance trade or movement.

Significance in Dating

Projectile points serve as important dating tools. Variations in form and style across different geographies and time periods allow archaeologists to assign an approximate age to an archaeological site. This dating method, known as “seriation,” can give us a reliable chronological framework.

Contextual Evidence

The archaeological context in which projectile points are found also provides critical information. Contextual clues can tell us how and where the points were used, whether for hunting, warfare, or other activities. These clues might include the proximity of points to animal remains, their spatial distribution, and their association with other artifact types.

Conservation and Study

The preservation and study of projectile points are crucial. Unfortunately, the unauthorized collection and trade of these artifacts can deprive them of their contextual information, thus diminishing their scientific value. It’s important to encourage ethical practices in collecting and studying these historical objects.

Modern Replications

Modern-day flintknappers often recreate historical projectile point types, both for research purposes and as part of cultural heritage preservation. These replications can help us understand the techniques, skill levels, and time investments involved in the production of these ancient tools.

Challenges and Future Research

Despite the wealth of information they provide, interpreting projectile points is not without challenges. Future research may focus on:

• Refining the classification of points based on form and technology.
• Enhancing understanding of prehistoric knapping techniques.
• Using modern technology, such as 3D scanning and imaging, to analyze points without physical handling.

Conclusion

Projectile points provide a vital glimpse into our past, giving archaeologists valuable insights into ancient cultures, technological development, and human movement. They are essential pieces of the archaeological puzzle, helping us understand the complex tapestry of human history.

References

[1] Waters, M. R., & Stafford, T. W. (2007). Redefining the Age of Clovis: Implications for the Peopling of the Americas. Science, 315(5815), 1122-1126.

[2] Haynes, G. (2002). The Early Settlement of North America: The Clovis Era. Cambridge University Press.

[3] Villa, P., & Roebroeks, W. (2014). Neandertal Demise: An Archaeological Analysis of the Modern Human Superiority Complex. PLOS ONE, 9(4), e96424.

[4] Andrefsky, W. (2005). Lithics: Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis. Cambridge University Press.

[5] Whittaker, J. C. (1994). Flintknapping: Making and Understanding Stone Tools. University of Texas Press.