Turkeytail Harrison Point

This triangular point exhibits a medium to large size range, characterized by a contracting stem and an elliptical cross-sectional profile. The blade morphology varies, displaying a range from excurvate to straight configurations, particularly noticeable in the smaller specimens. The shoulders are predominantly horizontal, although some examples may exhibit a subtle upward taper. The stem, relatively small in proportion, typically expands slightly, but can also maintain a parallel orientation. A distinctive feature is the abrupt transition from the stem to the base, which is elongated and tapers to a pointed terminus. The flaking pattern observed on this point is random, lacking a discernible pattern or orientation.

The arrowheads exhibit a range of dimensions, with total lengths spanning from 50 to 203 mm. The stem, a crucial component, measures between 15 and 30 mm in length, with an average of 20 mm. In terms of width, the arrowheads vary from 22 to 41 mm. More specifically, the neck width ranges from 11 to 22 mm, while the stem width falls between 13 and 25 mm.

This point is most densely clustered in the Ohio River Valley. It can also be located in the Great Lakes area and throughout the Tennessee River valley

The arrowhead points in question exhibit a temporal distribution that spans the late Archaic period to the early and middle Woodland period, as noted by Justice in 1987. Notably, the Early Adena points appear to have originated in the Tennessee River Valley, with evidence suggesting that they disseminated from this region during the early Woodland period, as observed by Kneberg in 1956. However, it is essential to recognize that the Adena culture is primarily centered in the Ohio River valley, which is also believed to be the point of origin.

From a typological perspective, these points can be characterized as a hybrid of the Marshall and Mitchell variations of the Turkey Tail point, as identified by Justice in 1987. This classification is significant, as it highlights the complex and nuanced nature of arrowhead point typology. Furthermore, some examples of these points may exhibit double notches, a characteristic that underscores the variability and diversity of these artifacts.

The study of these arrowhead points offers valuable insights into the cultural and technological developments of the Native American groups that created them. By examining the distribution, typology, and characteristics of these points, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental contexts in which they were produced and used. As such, continued analysis and documentation of these artifacts are crucial for enhancing our knowledge of Native American cultures and their rich archaeological heritage.