Desert Side Notch Point

This triangular point exhibits a slender profile, characterized by a flattened cross-sectional morphology. Its straight-edged blade may occasionally display a subtle curvature, while numerous examples feature delicate serrations along their lengths. The parallel notches, positioned distinctly below the midpoint, are typically narrow and deep, often resulting in a constricted neck. The horizontal shoulders are accompanied by an expanded stem, and the basal edges often exhibit a squared morphology, terminating in a base that ranges from straight to slightly concave. The point's manufacture involves the removal of percussion flakes, followed by shaping and finishing via pressure flaking, yielding a random, non-patterned flaking arrangement.

The dimensions of the arrowheads are as follows: they range in overall length from 9 to 40 mm, with a typical length of 17 to 26 mm. The stem measures between 6 to 9 mm in length. The blade width varies from 5 to 15 mm, averaging between 8 to 12 mm. The neck width ranges from 5 to 10 mm, with an average of 7 mm. The basal width is between 10 to 19 mm, and the thickness of the arrowheads is between 2 to 4 mm.

This style is mainly discovered in the Great Basin region, extending into California's Sierra Nevada range, northward to the Snake River Valley, and onward to Oregon.

In the context of Native American arrowheads, a notable observation is the relatively low frequency of a particular point type within the cultural regions associated with the Fremont tradition. This phenomenon is significant, as it suggests a shift in technological or stylistic preferences over time. According to Justice (2002), the points from this specific cluster appear to have supplanted those from the Rosegate Cluster, indicating a potential evolution in arrowhead design or function.

Further insight into the characteristics of this point type is provided by the work of Martin A. Baumhoff and J.S. Byrne (1959), who identified four distinct subtypes. These subtypes, namely Delta, General (also referred to as Desert Classic), Redding, and Sierra, demonstrate a range of variations within this point type. The recognition of these subtypes highlights the complexity and diversity of arrowhead designs, even within a single cultural or technological tradition. By examining these subtypes, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the technological, social, and cultural factors that influenced the development and use of arrowheads in different regions and contexts.

The identification and analysis of these subtypes also underscore the importance of meticulous classification and documentation in archaeology. By distinguishing between different point types and subtypes, researchers can reconstruct the technological and cultural trajectories of past societies, shedding light on the dynamics of innovation, diffusion, and cultural exchange. In this case, the study of this particular point type and its subtypes contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the archaeological record, revealing the intricacies of Native American technological and cultural traditions.