Bolen Bevel Point

This triangular point exhibits a distinctive morphology, characterized by a small to medium-sized side notch and a cross-sectional profile that ranges from flattened to elliptical. The blade's longitudinal axis is generally straight, although re-sharpened specimens may display varying degrees of excurvate, incurvate, or recurvate curvature. Serrations are a common feature on the blade edges. Each face of the blade typically displays beveling on one edge, creating a distinctive angular profile. The shoulder morphology is variable, spanning a range from horizontal to barbed configurations. The stem's shape can vary from expanding to fully expanded, while the base is consistently convex. Many examples of this point type exhibit basal grinding, indicating deliberate edge modification. The flaking pattern on this point is characterized by a random, non-patterned arrangement of flake scars.

The dimensions of these arrowheads are characterized by the following measurements: overall length ranges from 26 to 95 mm, with a typical length of 40 to 50 mm. The stem length varies between 9 and 15 mm, commonly measuring around 10 mm. In terms of width, the arrowheads span from 20 to 38 mm, typically falling within the 26 to 32 mm range. Notably, the stem width is generally slightly narrower than the shoulders. The thickness of the arrowheads ranges from 5 to 12 mm, with variations observed in relation to the Bolen Plain and Bolen Expanded Notch types.

This type is mainly discovered in northern Florida and extends as far north as Polk, Cobb, Bartow, and Cherokee county Georgia, southeastern Alabama, and eastward into the lower Savannah River Valley of South Carolina. This type can also be located in central Florida, albeit less often. This type has occasionally been spotted in the coastal areas of Mississippi and Louisiana, although such findings are uncommon

The Bolen type point, a significant artifact in Native American archaeology, has been extensively studied and categorized by renowned expert Ripley Bullen. Bullen's research identified five distinct variants of the Bolen type point, each with unique characteristics. The Bolen Type 1, for instance, is distinguished by its straight base and side notches, bearing a resemblance to the Big Sandy point, yet often found in association with other Bolen style points. In contrast, the Bolen Type 2 features a convex base, setting it apart from its Type 1 counterpart.

Further examination of the Bolen type points reveals additional notable variants. The Bolen Type 3, with its longer stem, exhibits similarities to the Kirk Corner Notch, while the Bolen Type 5 is characterized by a large square notch, formed through the removal of flakes from both the top and bottom of the notch, resulting in an Expanded Notch type. Beyond Bullen's initial classification, other variants have been recognized, including the Bolen E Notch, which features a protrusion at the center of the notch where the top and bottom flakes meet. The Bolen Ace, a re-sharpened Type 2, is identifiable by its convex base and lack of beveling, giving it a distinctive "Ace of Shapes" appearance. Lastly, the Bolen Recurvate boasts a recurvate base, marked by a central concave and basal corners that curve upward.

These Bolen type point variants, including those identified by Bullen and subsequent researchers, such as Lloyd Schroder in 2013, demonstrate a range of characteristics, including plain or beveled blade edges. The study of these points not only sheds light on the technological and stylistic developments of Native American cultures but also highlights the complexity and diversity of their arrowhead craftsmanship. By examining the unique features of each variant, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural contexts and historical periods in which they were created, ultimately enriching our knowledge of Native American archaeology.