Arrowhead type

Dutch Harbor Bi-Point

Dutch Harbor Bi-Point5,000 - 200 B.P.

2 reference photos

Key facts

Age
5,000 - 200 B.P.
Culture
Aleutian Tradition
Size
Medium to Large
Shape
Ovoid
Material
Basalt

Description

This lanceolate point exhibits a size range of medium to large, characterized by an elliptical cross-sectional profile. The blade's morphology is marked by an excurvate shape, where the distal end curves inward, transitioning into a nearly parallel segment between one-third to two-thirds of the blade's length, before curving inward again towards the base. The basal edge terminates in a pointed shape. The flaking pattern observed on this point is random, lacking a discernible or deliberate arrangement of flake scars.

Size

Medium to Large

Distribution

This type is located in the Dutch Harbor area and the southern Alaskan peninsula isles.

Mainly found in

Additional information

In the realm of Native American arrowheads, a notable point of interest bears resemblance to the Cascade Bi-Point, a type commonly discovered in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and extending into Canada. A key distinction, however, lies in the chronological context of these points, with the Cascade points being classified as an older type. This distinction highlights the evolutionary trajectory of arrowhead design, underscoring the significance of the Cascade points as precursors to later, more refined forms. By examining the characteristics of these older points, researchers can gain valuable insights into the technological and cultural developments of the indigenous populations that crafted them.

The Cascade points, in particular, offer a fascinating case study in the adaptation and innovation of hunting technologies among Native American groups. Their distribution across the Pacific Northwest and into Canada speaks to the extensive trade networks and cultural exchange that existed among these communities. Furthermore, the fact that these points are considered older types suggests that they may have played a pivotal role in the development of subsequent arrowhead designs, including the point in question.

Through a comparative analysis of these arrowheads, archaeologists can reconstruct a more nuanced understanding of the historical context in which they were created and used. By considering the morphological characteristics, materials, and geographic distribution of these points, researchers can shed light on the complex social, cultural, and environmental factors that shaped the lives of Native American communities in the region. Ultimately, the study of these arrowheads offers a unique window into the past, providing a tangible connection to the traditions, technologies, and ways of life of the indigenous peoples who crafted them.

Similar types

Types that are easy to confuse with the Dutch Harbor Bi-Point point.

Back to all 1,008 types