Barry Point

This triangular point features a distinctive stemmed morphology, characterized by a broad, flattened cross-sectional profile. The blade exhibits a predominantly excurvate silhouette, although occasional specimens display an outwardly recurved configuration. Notably, heavily resharpened examples may exhibit a subtle incurvate curvature. The shoulders are marked by pronounced barbs, while the stem remains largely straight. The basal edge is typically straight, but a subset of specimens displays a mildly convex base. The flaking pattern on this point is characterized by a random, non-patterned arrangement of flakes.

This type shares a similar geographic range as the Smith point, spanning from Texas into the Mississippi River Valley, Ohio River Valley, and Tennessee River Valley, albeit with decreasing occurrence.

In a notable study, Marshall identified two distinct point types, namely the Stone Square Stem and the Barry Square Stem, although the latter designation is seldom utilized. A compelling argument has been put forth suggesting that these points are, in fact, variants of the Smith type, which have undergone various degrees of re-sharpening. This process of re-sharpening can be so extensive that it ultimately results in the obliteration of the point's shoulders, leading to a modified morphology. Interestingly, archaeological findings have shown that these re-sharpened points often co-occur with typical Smith points, as observed by Ray in 2010. This association highlights the complex and dynamic nature of point typology, underscoring the need for careful consideration of the re-sharpening process in the classification and interpretation of these artifacts.

The re-sharpening of Smith points to the point of shoulder obliteration is a significant phenomenon, as it reflects the resourcefulness and adaptability of the cultures that utilized these points. By re-sharpening and reusing their tools, these ancient societies were able to extend the functional lifespan of their artifacts, thereby optimizing their technological resources. This behavior is a testament to the ingenuity and practicality of Native American cultures, who developed sophisticated strategies for tool maintenance and reuse.

The presence of these re-sharpened points in association with typical Smith points, as documented by Ray in 2010, provides valuable insights into the technological and cultural practices of the societies that produced them. By examining the morphological variations and contextual associations of these points, archaeologists can gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of point typology and the cultural significance of these artifacts. Furthermore, this research highlights the importance of considering the re-sharpening process in the analysis and interpretation of archaeological findings, as it can significantly impact our understanding of the technological, social, and cultural contexts in which these artifacts were created and used.