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A Comprehensive Guide to Projectile Points of the Upper Mississippi River Valley: Unraveling the Past Through Artifacts

Adrian Ward

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Published in A Projectile Point Guide For The Upper Mississippi River Valley (Bur Oak Guide 1)

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Welcome to the world of projectile points, fascinating relics that offer a glimpse into the lives and technologies of our ancestors. This comprehensive guide, meticulously crafted by experts, delves deep into the rich archaeological tapestry of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, providing a definitive resource for collectors, archaeologists, and history enthusiasts.

Projectile points, also known as arrowheads or spear points, were essential tools for hunting and warfare in pre-industrial societies. Their intricate designs and diverse forms reflect the skill and artistry of ancient craftspeople. Through careful examination of these artifacts, we gain valuable insights into the cultural practices, technological advancements, and migratory patterns of the people who once inhabited this region.

A Projectile Point Guide for the Upper Mississippi River Valley (Bur Oak Guide 1)

A Projectile Point Guide for the Upper Mississippi River Valley (Bur Oak Guide Book 1)

by Robert F. Boszhardt

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1214 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	104 pages

A Collection Of Projectile Points From The Upper Mississippi River Valley A Projectile Point Guide For The Upper Mississippi River Valley (Bur Oak Guide 1)

A Regional Overview

The Upper Mississippi River Valley, spanning from Minnesota to Illinois, is a region renowned for its rich archaeological heritage. Over thousands of years, this fertile landscape was home to a succession of Native American cultures, each leaving behind a distinct imprint on the region's archaeological record.

The projectile points found in this area reflect the cultural diversity and chronological depth of the region. From the early Paleo-Indian period to the Late Woodland period, different cultural groups produced unique projectile points that serve as markers of their respective eras.

Typology and Identification

Projectile points can be classified into several broad types based on their overall shape, size, and manufacturing techniques. Common types found in the Upper Mississippi River Valley include:

Clovis Points: Large, lanceolate-shaped points with distinctive flutes on both faces, associated with the Paleo-Indian period (11,500-10,000 BP).
Dalton Points: Smaller, triangular-shaped points with straight or slightly concave bases, associated with the Early Archaic period (10,000-8,000 BP).
Kirk Points: Stemmed points with expanding bases and rounded shoulders, associated with the Middle Archaic period (8,000-6,000 BP).
Plano Points: Thin, triangular-shaped points with straight or slightly convex bases, associated with the Late Archaic period (6,000-2,000 BP).
Woodland Points: Triangular or leaf-shaped points with notched or stemmed bases, associated with the Woodland period (2,000 BP – European contact).

In addition to typology, other important factors for identification include material composition (e.g., chert, flint, quartzite),manufacturing techniques (e.g., flaking, grinding),and use-wear patterns.

A Chart Illustrating Different Projectile Point Types Found In The Upper Mississippi River Valley A Projectile Point Guide For The Upper Mississippi River Valley (Bur Oak Guide 1)

Material Culture and Cultural Significance

Projectile points were not merely functional tools; they also held cultural and symbolic significance. The choice of raw material, the specific shape and design, and the manner in which the point was hafted onto a shaft all reflect the cultural preferences and technological advancements of a particular group.

The presence of specific projectile point types can also provide insights into trade networks, cultural interactions, and population movements. By studying the distribution and stylistic variations of projectile points, archaeologists can reconstruct past cultural landscapes and shed light on the dynamics of human societies.

A Map Showing The Distribution Of Projectile Point Types In The Upper Mississippi River Valley, Indicating Cultural Interactions And Population Movements A Projectile Point Guide For The Upper Mississippi River Valley (Bur Oak Guide 1)

Preservation and Conservation

Projectile points are fragile artifacts that require careful handling and preservation. Exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and chemical pollutants can damage these delicate objects. Collectors and institutions should follow proper storage and display techniques to ensure the longevity of these invaluable artifacts.

Responsible collecting practices are also essential for preserving archaeological heritage. Surface collecting, rather than excavation, is the preferred method for acquiring projectile points. Collectors should always obtain permission from landowners and respect archaeological sites.

An Image Demonstrating Proper Storage Techniques For Projectile Points A Projectile Point Guide For The Upper Mississippi River Valley (Bur Oak Guide 1)

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of projectile points from the Upper Mississippi River Valley, providing a valuable resource for collectors, archaeologists, and history enthusiasts alike. By understanding the typology, cultural significance, and preservation of these artifacts, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich archaeological heritage of this region.

As we continue to explore the past through the lens of archaeology, projectile points will continue to serve as invaluable tools for unlocking the secrets of our ancestors. May this guide inspire a lifelong passion for uncovering the hidden stories of our human heritage.

References

Brown, James A. Projectile Points: Form and Function. University of Texas Press, 1994.
Perino, Gregory. Selby, Maynard. Projectile Points: Prehistory of East Central Oklahoma, Revised Edition. Oklahoma Archaeological Survey, 1998.
Thomas, David Hurst. The Archaic Projectile Point Tradition in the Midwestern River Valley. University of Tennessee Press, 1976.

A Projectile Point Guide for the Upper Mississippi River Valley (Bur Oak Guide Book 1)

by Robert F. Boszhardt

4.7 out of 5