Ensor Split Base Point

This triangular corner notch point exhibits a slender profile with a medium to large size range, characterized by a cross section that has been deliberately flattened. The blade's curvature can vary, ranging from an excurvate to a straight configuration, while re-sharpened specimens may display an incurvate or recurvate shape. The shoulders typically feature barbed formations, although they can appear more horizontal in re-sharpened examples. A broad, expanding stem is present, often mirroring the width of the shoulders. The base of the point can exhibit either a bifurcated or V-notched form, or alternatively, a single center basal notch. The flaking pattern observed on this point is random, lacking a discernible, organized arrangement.

The dimensions of the arrowheads are characterized by the following measurements: overall length ranges from 30 to 70 mm, with a mean length of 50 mm. The stem itself measures between 6 and 11 mm in length. At the shoulders, the width spans 20 to 30 mm, while the neck width falls within the range of 13 to 18 mm. Furthermore, the width of the stem varies between 20 and 28 mm.

This projectile is mainly located in areas spanning central Texas to the Lower Pecos River valley and across the Guadalupe River valley. Its presence is less common in the Sabine River Valley of eastern Texas and western Louisiana, as well as Arkansas and Oklahoma. Occurrences decrease in southern Tamaulipas

In a seminal work published in 1991, Dan R. Davis proposed a categorization of certain arrowhead points into three distinct sub-categories, denoted as Type I, Type II, and Type III, based on their basal morphology. Specifically, these types are characterized by a concave base, a slight convex base, and a straight base, respectively. Notably, Davis's classification does not acknowledge the existence of a split stem variety.

The Ensor and Frio type points have a complex taxonomic history. Initially, Miller and Jelks classified both types as Ensor points at the Belton Reservoir site. However, Suhm et al. (1954) subsequently redefined the Ensor type, effectively excluding Frio points from this classification. As a result, many collectors and enthusiasts refer to Frio type points associated with Ensor points as either Ensor Split Stem or Ensor Frio points. A key distinction between Ensor Frio and Frio type points lies in their notching and basal morphology. Ensor Frio points typically exhibit a narrow diagonal notch, a slightly barbed shoulder, and a recurvate base, whereas Frio type points are characterized by a wider parallel notch, a shoulder with a slight upward angle, and a notched or V-shaped base.

Despite these differences, the Ensor Frio and Frio types are closely related, and the distinction between them may represent a continuum rather than a clear typological boundary. This ambiguity has led to the Ensor Frio type not being widely accepted as a distinct type in professional archaeological circles. The Ensor Frio point itself exhibits two primary forms: one with a V-notch base, often referred to as the Ensor Split Base, and another with a central basal notch, commonly known as the Ensor Frio point. These variations highlight the complexity and nuance of Native American arrowhead typology, underscoring the need for careful consideration and expertise in the classification and interpretation of these significant cultural artifacts.