Arrowhead type

DeWaele Point

DeWaele1,150 - 750 B.P.Mississippian

Key facts

Age
1,150 - 750 B.P.
Cultural period
Mississippian
Size
Medium
Shape
Expanding Stem to Straight Stem
Glacial period
Medieval Warm

More from the Mississippian period

Description

This medium-sized point exhibits an elliptical profile, with a blade that can range from straight to subtly curved outward. The shoulders are positioned at an upward incline, merging with an expanding stem that broadens downward. Some specimens of this type display a side notch that blends into the expanding stem, creating a distinctive appearance. The basal edge varies in curvature, sometimes presenting a slightly convex and other times a slightly concave shape. The flaking pattern on this point is characterized by flat, expansive flakes that often terminate in hinge fractures, resulting in a random and irregular arrangement of flake scars.

Size

The dimensions of these arrowheads are as follows: they range in length from 29 to 59 mm, in width from 14 to 22 mm, with neck widths spanning 8 to 16 mm, and thicknesses varying between 4 to 7 mm, as per the standards of the Ontario Archaeological Society - London Chapter.

Distribution

This type is mainly discovered in Middlesex and Elgin Counties and throughout the Duffins Creek watershed of Ontario Canada.

Mainly found in

Also found, less often, in

Additional information

The evolution of this particular arrowhead point is a notable example of the dynamic nature of prehistoric tool development. Archaeological evidence suggests that this point originated from the Raccoon Side Notch type, marking an important milestone in the progression of Native American projectile technology. Over time, this initial design gave rise to two distinct point styles: the Middleport Notched and the Nanticoke Notched points, both of which are characterized by unique notching patterns and morphological features. This sequence of development, documented in the archaeological record as W14, highlights the innovative and adaptive approaches of ancient cultures in refining their hunting tools.

Identified by

Named by
W. A. Fox
Year
1982

Similar types

Types that are easy to confuse with the DeWaele point.

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