Archaeology Lab
ANTL 207
Exercise 4 – Lithic Projectile Point Description
17-19 September 2012
The aim of this exercise is to introduce you to the field of lithic analysis. You’ll be
observing and recording a variety of artifact attributes, just as you did in Exercise 1.
Here you will examine three different projectile points (not all are ‘arrow heads’!) in
detail. After taking time to examine the characteristics of your stone tools you’ll draw an
outline sketch of each in pencil, record each point’s metric attributes and describe each
point’s unique morphological characteristics. Finally, you will try to identify each of your
points by its designated type. To do this take a look at the Stone Age Spear and Arrow
Points book, websites (see class web page under “Student Resources”) and poster in the
Lithics Laboratory for possible matches.
First, read the section on Lithics in the Introduction to Artifacts. This is found on the
class web site and there are a few copies on the lab tables as well. Next, use three
separate blank pieces of paper – one for each projectile point. Identify each projectile
point using some kind of designation (Point A, Point 1, etc). Then start looking closely
at one of your points. Use the categories below (material, function, shape, etc.) to
describe each. The exact format is up to you – just be sure to address each of the
questions within each descriptive category below. Bullet points work fine. Remember
- take your time and look carefully at each artifact.
Material: You might not know the kind of stone from which your point is made, but try
to determine it if you can. Look at the examples in the Lithics Lab and then describe the
color, texture and any variation (i.e., striping, inclusions, etc.) in the main body of the
stone. Is there any evidence of heat treating (‘pot lids’ or red/burned coloration)?
Shape: Describe the point’s overall shape, attributes of its base, notching, etc. Is your
point a fragment? Is it missing any part of its anatomy (i.e., its distal end)?
Manufacture: Does your point have any unusual manufacturing characteristics? Was its
base ground (scratches, white discoloration)? Is there any cortex still on your point? If
so where? Does it have parallel pressure flaking, etc.
Qualitative: What is you overall impression of the point? Was it well manufactured?
Create a sketch of your point. Start with a basic outline (you can begin by tracing the
point) and include major flake scars, cortex, etc. Look at examples of illustrations in the
Stone Age Spear and Arrow Points book. I don't expect you to be a great artifact
illustrator but a little experience can't hurt.
Quantitative: Using the calipers, list the basic metric attributes of your point. Be sure
and include the following (if applicable to your point): Maximum Length (ML), Maximum
Width (MW), Basal Width (BW), Maximum Thickness (MT) and Stem Width (SW) (see
figure below).
Function: Is your point a spear/dart point or an arrow point? Could it be possibly used
as a knife? Has this tool been re-sharpened? What’s your evidence behind your
assertions? Hint: use the hand lenses and microscope in the Lithics Lab to look for edge
damage (flake scars, polish, striations (lines/scratches), anything that might be a clue as
to how the tool may have been used.
Type: Can you find a close match in our type books, posters and the web sites on our
class web page? If so what is it, when might it date to and where might it be found
(distribution range)? Could it match more than one type? In order to identify your
projectile point type go to our class web site and look under Student Resources, then
scroll down to Very Useful Web Sites.
Exercise 3 is due no later than the end of class on Wednesday 19 September 2012