Arrowhead type

Decatur Point

DecaturKirk Corner Notch Cluster9,500 - 8,000 B.P.Early Archaic

34 reference photos

Key facts

Age
9,500 - 8,000 B.P.
Cultural period
Early Archaic
Size
Small to Medium
Shape
Expanding Stem to Corner Notch
Glacial period
Early to Middle Holocene

More from the Archaic period

Description

This triangular corner-notched point exhibits a compact to medium size profile. In cross-section, the blade typically presents a flattened profile, although some specimens may display an elliptical shape. The blade edge is generally straight, with some examples exhibiting a subtle incurvature, particularly when accompanied by flaring shoulder edges; however, excurvate blades are uncommon. The edges often feature beveling on one or both sides, paired with fine serrations. The shoulders vary in morphology, ranging from straight to barbed, and in rare instances, may be angled upward in a clipped wing configuration. The stem is notably short and expands outward due to the removal of a fracture flake. The base of the point is usually slightly concave, but may also be straight or, less commonly, convex. The base often exhibits evidence of grinding and thinning. The flaking pattern on these points is characterized by a random arrangement, complemented by the presence of a serrated blade.

Size

The arrowheads exhibit the following dimensional characteristics: overall length ranges from 29 to 85 mm, with a mean length of 42 mm. The stem portion measures between 4 and 12 mm in length, averaging 7 mm. The blade width varies from 22 to 45 mm, with an average width of 28 mm. Conversely, the stem width ranges from 13 to 25 mm, averaging 19 mm. In terms of thickness, the arrowheads measure between 5 and 7 mm.

Distribution

This type is located in the Ohio River basin and extends into the central Mississippi River basin. This type may also be found in the Tennessee River basin.

Also found, less often, in

Additional information

More information needed.

Identified by

Named by
James Cambron
Year
1957

Similar types

Types that are easy to confuse with the Decatur point.

Other types in the Kirk Corner Notch Cluster

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