Projectile point

In archaeological terminology, a projectile point is an object that was hafted to a weapon that was capable of being thrown or projected, such as a javelin, dart, or arrow.

Scientific techniques exist to track the specific kinds of rock or minerals that were used to make stone tools in various regions back to their original sources.

As well as stone, projectile points were also made of worked wood, bone, antler, horn, or ivory; all of these are less common in the Americas.

In regions where metallurgy emerged, projectile points were eventually made from copper, bronze, or iron, though the change was by no means immediate.

[5] Projectile points come in an amazing variety of shapes and styles, which vary according to chronological periods, cultural identities, and intended functions.

Standard projectile point terminology used in describing Native American projectile points: a – point or tip, b – edge, c – blade or face, d – step, e – tang, f – base, g – notch, h – barb, i – shoulder. [ 1 ]