Pee Dee Point

This archaeological specimen presents as a slender, pentagonal projectile point, measuring between 0.5 to 0.75 inches in width, with a distinctive asymmetrical profile. Its cross-sectional morphology is characterized by a flattened shape. The blade itself is notably broad, exhibiting a curvature that can range from straight to excurvate, traversing from the apex to the proximal hafting region. The hafting area's outline can vary, transitioning from a straight alignment to a more contracted form, thereby contributing to the point's pentagonal silhouette. While the blade's symmetry can fluctuate, the base of the point is typically marked by a straight edge, although occasional examples display a concave basal margin. The flaking pattern observed on this point is random, lacking a discernible, organized sequence.

The dimensions of the arrowheads are as follows: overall length ranges from 25 to 61 mm, with a mean length of 42 mm. The portion designated for hafting measures between 12 and 28 mm, averaging 20 mm. In terms of width, the arrowheads span from 21 to 24 mm, with an average width of 23 mm. The thickness varies from 3 to 8 mm.

This type is mainly linked to the Piedmont regions of Virginia and North Carolina (red). It is believed to be identical to the Jack's Reef Pentagonal point, which has a range indicated in yellow. The green area shows the spread of the South Appalachian Pentagonal point

In the realm of Native American arrowheads, the Jack's Reef Pentagonal and Pee Dee points are considered to be synonymous, with their nomenclature varying by region. Specifically, the Jack's Reef Pentagonal designation is commonly used in the Northeast, as well as the Ohio and Tennessee river basins, whereas in Virginia and the Carolinas, these points are referred to as Pee Dee (W10). Notably, Cambron (1975) has also identified this point type as the Mississippi Pentagonal point, highlighting its widespread geographic distribution.

A distinctive characteristic of the Jack's Reef Pentagonal point is its similarity in form to the Jack's Reef Corner Notch, albeit without the hafting element. This has led some researchers to propose that the Jack's Reef Pentagonal point may have served as a preform for the Jack's Reef Corner Notch. However, as Justice (1987) points out, these points were also utilized as finished tools and projectiles in their own right, underscoring their functional versatility. Furthermore, Lowe (2013) suggests that the origins of these points can be traced back to the Atlantic Coast, from which they subsequently disseminated westward.

The evolution of the Jack's Reef Pentagonal point over time is also noteworthy, with earlier examples exhibiting thicker and slightly cruder characteristics compared to their later counterparts (W11). This observation highlights the dynamic nature of Native American lithic technology, as point styles and manufacturing techniques continued to adapt and refine over time. By examining the Jack's Reef Pentagonal point within its broader cultural and geographic context, researchers can gain valuable insights into the technological, social, and economic dynamics of the societies that created and utilized these artifacts.