Arrowhead type

Tipton Point

TiptonMotley Cluster3,500 - 2,500 B.P.Late Archaic to Early Woodland

Key facts

Age
3,500 - 2,500 B.P.
Cultural period
Late Archaic to Early Woodland
Size
Medium
Shape
Corner Notch to Side Notch to Expanding Stem
Glacial period
Neoglacial

More from the Archaic, Woodland periods

Description

This triangular point exhibits a distinctive morphology, characterized by a stem with a corner notch and an elliptical profile. The blade edge can vary in curvature, ranging from straight to excurvate, while the shoulders display a range of orientations, from barbed to horizontal or angled upward. The notches are pronounced, creating a constricted neck that transitions into an expanding stem. The base of the point is typically straight, although some specimens feature a convex base. Notably, basal grinding is uncommon on this point type, and the flaking pattern is random, lacking a discernible order or orientation. Overall, the combination of these characteristics defines a medium-sized, triangular point with a unique set of attributes.

Size

Medium

Distribution

This type is predominantly located from northern to eastern Iowa. Such specimens can also be encountered, albeit less often, in southern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin

Mainly found in

Also found, less often, in

Additional information

Upon examination, the arrowheads within this cluster exhibit certain characteristics reminiscent of the Snyders type, yet they are distinguished by a notably narrower neck (W2). A prominent representative of this cluster is the Motley point, which appears to be the most prevalent form. Notably, the Atalissa and Tipton points are considered to be regional variations of the Motley point, as suggested by Justice in 1987. This classification underscores the complex diversity within this cluster, highlighting the Motley point as a foundational type with localized expressions. The narrower neck measurement (W2) serves as a key diagnostic feature, setting these points apart from their Snyders counterparts and contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the archaeological record.

Identified by

Named by
Toby Morrow
Year
1984
Type site
Various sites, Cedar County, Iowa

Similar types

Types that are easy to confuse with the Tipton point.

Other types in the Motley Cluster

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