Arrowhead type

Abajo Point

AbajoDolores Cluster1,400 - 1,000 B.P.Late Archaic

Key facts

Age
1,400 - 1,000 B.P.
Cultural period
Late Archaic
Culture
Anasazi Culture
Size
Small
Shape
Expanding Stem
Material
Utilized
Glacial period
Vandal Minimum to Medieval

More from the Archaic period

Description

This diminutive point, measuring between 1.25 and 1.75 inches in length, exhibits a triangular form with a stemmed to expanding stem configuration. Its cross-sectional profile is characterized by a flattened shape, while the blade itself remains largely straight, terminating in a sharp, well-defined tip. The stem is notable for its elongated proportions and subtle expansion. The basal edge varies in curvature, ranging from a straight alignment to a gently convex shape. The flaking pattern observed on this point is random, lacking a discernible, organized arrangement.

Size

Small

Distribution

This type is mainly discovered in regions linked to Ancestral Puebloan locations. This type may be discovered on the Colorado Plateau in the southern Manti La Sal range and southward to the Su Site of New Mexico and westward to Navajo Mountain

Additional information

The arrowhead in question belongs to a distinct variant of the Dolores type, characterized by a notable elongation of its stem. This distinguishing feature sets it apart from the Dolores Expanding Stem, with which it shares other similarities. Notably, research has linked this particular type to the High Altitude Anasazi Lithic Assemblage, a connection first proposed by Dykman in 1976. This association underscores the significance of this arrowhead variant within the context of Anasazi material culture, highlighting the importance of lithic analysis in understanding the technological and cultural practices of this ancient group.

The High Altitude Anasazi Lithic Assemblage is a significant archaeological concept, as it sheds light on the adaptive strategies and technological innovations of Anasazi communities inhabiting high-altitude regions. The inclusion of this Dolores variant within this assemblage suggests a degree of cultural and technological continuity among these communities, despite the challenges posed by their elevated environments. Further study of this arrowhead type and its associations can provide valuable insights into the lives and traditions of the Anasazi people, as well as the broader cultural and historical context of the region.

The identification of this arrowhead as part of the High Altitude Anasazi Lithic Assemblage also underscores the importance of meticulous typological analysis in archaeology. By recognizing and categorizing distinct variants like this Dolores type, researchers can reconstruct the complex cultural and technological landscapes of the past, ultimately deepening our understanding of human history and cultural diversity. As such, this arrowhead variant serves as a significant artifact, offering a window into the lives and traditions of the Anasazi people and their remarkable adaptability in the face of environmental challenges.

Identified by

Named by
James L. Dykman
Year
1976
Type site
Abajo Site (29SJ116), San Juan County, New Mexico

Similar types

Types that are easy to confuse with the Abajo point.

Other types in the Dolores Cluster

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