Beachum Point

This medium-sized, triangular point features a sturdy, crudely crafted profile with an elliptical cross-section. The blade's curvature is predominantly excurvate, although it can exhibit a straight alignment in some instances. Notable shoulders define the point, often oriented horizontally but occasionally angled upward. A short, generally straight stem characterizes the base of the point, with some specimens displaying a slight expansion. The concave base lacks evidence of grinding for hafting, suggesting a distinct attachment method. The flaking pattern on this point is random, indicating a lack of deliberate, systematic removal of flakes during its manufacture.

The dimensions of the arrowheads are as follows: they typically range in overall length from 26 to 40 mm, with a mean length of 36 mm. The stem itself measures between 6 and 9 mm in length. The width of the blade varies from 19 to 39 mm, averaging 25 mm. At the shoulders, the stem width ranges from 11 to 17 mm, while the basal width falls between 13 and 20 mm. In terms of thickness, the arrowheads are between 7 and 10 mm, with an average thickness of 8 mm.

This artifact is documented at the Hester Site in Monroe County, Mississippi. Its range may stretch into neighboring Alabama

In the state of Alabama, a distinct variation of arrowhead has been identified, characterized by a set of unique features that distinguish it from other types, such as the Beachum point. Notably, the Stanly point exhibits a broader shoulder, a more pronounced triangular shape to its blade, and a distinctive bifurcated stem. These characteristics, as observed by Brooks in 1979, are not present in the Beachum type point, highlighting the distinctiveness of the Stanly point within the regional archaeological record. This differentiation is significant, as it underscores the diversity of technological and stylistic expressions among Native American cultures in the region, and invites further exploration of the historical and cultural contexts in which these arrowheads were crafted and utilized.