Carmichael Point

This point features a slender profile, measuring between small to medium in size, with a cross-sectional shape that transitions from elliptical to flattened. The blade's curvature can vary, ranging from a straight alignment to a more pronounced excurvate form. Characteristic of this point are the low and shallow parallel notches that delineate the shoulders, which can exhibit a range of orientations from horizontal to slightly angled upwards. The stem morphology is notable for its potential to be expanding or fully expanded. The basal edge can display variability, oscillating between a straight and a concave configuration. The surface of this point showcases meticulous pressure flaking, resulting in a random, non-patterned arrangement of flake scars.

The dimensions of the arrowheads are characterized by a total length ranging from 12 to 38 mm, a blade width spanning 9 to 18 mm, and a thickness of 2 to 4 mm.

This projectile is mainly discovered in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada, and extends into Montana (red). It also appears with decreased regularity in northern Wyoming, northern South Dakota, northwestern Iowa, and western Minnesota (yellow)

The Avonlea point type is considered to be a developmental precursor to the Prairie Side Notch category, with its origins tracing back to the Pelican Lake type. Notably, Avonlea points represent the earliest manifestation of the Prairie Side Notch type, marking the initial stage in this particular evolutionary sequence. According to the research conducted by Kehoe in 1966, the Avonlea type eventually gave rise to the Swift Current type, which in turn became synonymous with the Prairie Side Notch designation. This progression highlights the dynamic nature of archaeological typologies, where point types can evolve over time through a process of gradual modification. The work of Kehoe (1966) provides a foundational understanding of this evolutionary trajectory, offering valuable insights into the technological and cultural developments of the societies that created these distinctive point types.