Rose Spring Side Point

This triangular corner-notched projectile point exhibits a slender profile, characterized by a cross-sectional shape that ranges from flattened to narrowly elliptical. The blade itself is typically slender, with a longitudinal curvature that can vary from slightly excurvate to straight-edged. The shoulders of the point can display a range of orientations, from horizontal to angled upward. The parallel notches that define the stem are positioned low on the blade, giving rise to an expanding stem that terminates in a base whose outline can be either straight or convexly curved. The flaking pattern observed on this point is random, lacking a discernible order or sequence.

The dimensions of the arrowheads are characterized by the following measurements: overall length ranges from 15 to 60 mm, with a typical average length of 20 to 30 mm. The stem measures between 4 to 8 mm in length. The blade's width spans 8 to 17 mm, while the neck width varies from 4 to 9 mm. The stem's width is between 6 to 15 mm, and the thickness of the arrowhead ranges from 3 to 6 mm.

This type is discovered extensively across the Great Basin region and extends into the northern sector of the Colorado Plateau. Its northern boundary lies along the Snake River Plain, its eastern edge follows the Colorado River valley, its western edge borders Death Valley and eastern California

The emergence of the bow and arrow technology in the Great Basin region marked a significant milestone in the evolution of projectile points, with the earliest true arrow points appearing around this time (Justice, 2002). Notably, the Corner Notch, Side Notch, and Stemmed variations of these points may represent a continuum of technological development, rather than distinct types. A key factor distinguishing between the Corner Notch and Side Notch types is the extent of re-sharpening, which can alter the shoulder and notch placement, ultimately maximizing the basal region. In contrast, the Stemmed variation is characterized by a slightly expanding stem, which may be attributed to variations in notching techniques or tool size and sharpness.

The Rose Springs and Eastgate types, initially considered separate entities, were later combined by David H. Thomas (1981) into a single category, known as the Rosegate Cluster, due to their overlapping characteristics. This point type bears similarities to the Eastgate point, but lacks the distinctive square barbs typically associated with the latter. Additionally, the Rosegate Cluster points tend to be narrower than their Eastgate counterparts. Both types are believed to have evolved from the Elko Corner Notch type, adapting to the shift from dart points to arrow points. This transition was likely driven by the need for more efficient and effective hunting technologies.

The eventual replacement of these point types by Desert series points and Cottonwood points (Justice, 2002) underscores the dynamic nature of technological innovation in the Great Basin region. The Rosegate Cluster points, with their unique characteristics and evolutionary significance, offer valuable insights into the lives and adaptations of Native American communities during this period. By examining the nuances of these point types, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between technological, environmental, and cultural factors that shaped the history of the Great Basin region.