Arrowhead type

Dalton Nuckolls Point

Dalton NuckollsDalton Cluster10,000 - 8,500 B.P.Transitional Paleo to Early Archaic

18 reference photos

Key facts

Age
10,000 - 8,500 B.P.
Cultural period
Transitional Paleo to Early Archaic
Size
Medium to Large
Shape
Auriculate to Lanceolate
Glacial period
Early Holocene

More from the Paleo, Archaic periods

Description

This medium-sized auriculate point exhibits a distinctive morphology, characterized by a cross-sectional profile that can be either elliptical or flattened. The blade itself is predominantly straight, often featuring serrations and beveling along its length. A notable characteristic of this point is the waist, which displays a subtle constriction, resulting in shoulders and auricles that may be weakly defined or even absent. The base of the point can exhibit a range of concavity, from slight to deep. The area intended for hafting often shows evidence of grinding, while the base may display both grinding and flaking, with some specimens exhibiting basal flaking that can create a fluted appearance. The flaking pattern on these points can be highly variable, encompassing oblique transverse, horizontal transverse, collateral, and random patterns.

Size

The dimensions of the arrowheads are characterized by a total length ranging from 40 to 120 mm, a width spanning 18 to 38 mm, and a basal concavity depth of 1 to 5 mm.

Distribution

This type is located in the upper Tennessee River region, extending into the Ohio River basin. It can also be discovered in western parts of Pennsylvania

Additional information

In the realm of Native American archaeology, a particular artifact has garnered attention for its potential classification as a re-sharpened Dalton Greenbrier point. Notably, this type of point has been documented in northern Florida, as reported by Bullen in 1975. However, the specimens cited by Bullen as Dalton Nuckolls have been characterized by their crude manufacture, prompting some scholars to express skepticism regarding their categorization as true Dalton points. Specifically, Farr's 2006 analysis has raised questions about the authenticity of these examples, highlighting the need for further examination and verification to confirm their typological status.

The Dalton Greenbrier point is a significant artifact in the context of Native American archaeology, and its presence in northern Florida underscores the complex and dynamic nature of prehistoric cultural exchange and migration patterns. The fact that some examples from this region exhibit crude workmanship may indicate a range of factors, including variations in craftsmanship, the availability of raw materials, or even the possibility of hybrid or experimental point styles. As such, a more nuanced understanding of these artifacts is essential for shedding light on the lives and traditions of the indigenous peoples who created them.

Further research and analysis are necessary to fully elucidate the characteristics and significance of the Dalton Greenbrier point in northern Florida. By examining the technological, stylistic, and cultural attributes of these artifacts, archaeologists can gain a deeper appreciation for the historical context in which they were produced and used. Ultimately, a more comprehensive understanding of these points will contribute to a richer and more detailed narrative of Native American cultural heritage, highlighting the diversity, adaptability, and ingenuity of the region's prehistoric inhabitants.

Identified by

Named by
Madeline Kneberg
Type site
Nuckolls Site, Humphrey County, Tennessee

Similar types

Types that are easy to confuse with the Dalton Nuckolls point.

Other types in the Dalton Cluster

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