St Tammany Point

This triangular point features a distinctive elliptical profile and a medium-sized stem. Its blade exhibits a serrated edge, with a curvature that can vary from gently excurvate to straight, culminating in a tip that ranges from bluntly obtuse to sharply apiculate, often with evidence of chiseling. The shoulders of the point typically present as horizontal, although some specimens display a subtle upward slope or a slightly barbed configuration. The stem itself can exhibit a range of forms, from straight to slightly expanding. The flaking pattern observed on this point is characterized by a random, non-patterned arrangement of flakes.

The arrowheads exhibit the following dimensional characteristics: overall length ranges from 45 to 75 mm, with a typical average length of 55 to 65 mm. The stem measures between 9 and 15 mm in length. The blade width varies from 25 to 38 mm, averaging between 28 and 33 mm. In terms of stem dimensions, the width spans 18 to 28 mm. The thickness of the arrowheads falls within a range of 5 to 15 mm, with an average thickness of 12 mm.

This type is mainly located in the southeast region of Louisiana and the southwest area of Mississippi.

In the realm of Native American archaeology, a specific type of arrowhead has been identified as a variant of the Kirk Serrated point, a classification first proposed by Gagliano in 1976. This particular point is notable for its evolutionary significance, as it is believed to have given rise to the Tangipahoa point, a development that has been documented by MaGahey in 2000. The Kirk Serrated variant exhibits characteristics that align it with the broader Kirk Stemmed cluster, despite Justice's 2002 study not explicitly addressing this specific point. Nevertheless, its inclusion in this cluster is justified due to its shared features with other points within the group, highlighting the complexities and nuances of archaeological classification.

The Kirk Serrated variant's association with the Kirk Stemmed cluster underscores the dynamic nature of archaeological taxonomy, where points can exhibit a range of characteristics that blur the lines between distinct categories. This phenomenon is not unique to the Kirk Serrated variant, as many Native American arrowhead types have been found to exhibit variability and overlap. The fact that Justice's study does not mention this specific point serves as a reminder that archaeological knowledge is continually evolving, and new discoveries can challenge existing classifications and prompt revisions to our understanding of the past.

The study of the Kirk Serrated variant and its relationship to the Kirk Stemmed cluster and the Tangipahoa point offers valuable insights into the technological and cultural developments of Native American societies. By examining the characteristics and evolution of these arrowhead types, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context in which they were created and used. As archaeological research continues to uncover new evidence and refine our understanding of the past, the significance of the Kirk Serrated variant and its place within the broader narrative of Native American archaeology will likely remain an important area of study and discussion.