Stone+Arrowheads


 * __Stone Arrowheads__** By: Justin Mehmert

__ Introduction __ Native American arrowheads are simplistic tools that still amaze people today. To state that the arrowhead is simplistic does not mean it was easy to obtain or create, but it does mean that its shape and design has been around for thousands of years. Stone arrowheads are fascinating Native American artifacts. Making them is considered an art because of the skill, time, and knowledge that must have been present to create effective heads. Stone arrowheads are projectile points that Indians attached to straight wooden shafts. The combined pair is called an arrow and was the basis of Native American hunting. Arrowheads varied greatly from tribe to tribe and even within the tribe. For example, an arrowhead used for hunting birds wouldn’t be used to hunt large game like deer and elk. A bird arrowhead would be large and blunt to help preserve the meat, whereas a bison arrowhead would have been sharp and slender focusing on penetration and cutting blood vessels to accelerate the kill. There was even a large difference between war arrowheads and hunting arrowheads. For instance, the Pawnee created large jagged tips for war so that the enemy was severely pained by the penetration and extraction of the arrow. On the other hand, they tried to keep hunting arrows smooth and sharp so they could be easily pulled from the prey and reused. Stone arrowheads were created for many different uses. Each use had a different shape and dimension making it more suited for that task. Few stone arrowheads were over two inches long. Generally they fell into the category of short and stout or long and slender. These tips took on either a triangular or pointed oval shape. Each tribe had their specific form and notching design (for attachment to the shaft), but the overall idea was the same. Create an aerodynamic flesh piercing projectile point.

Arrowheads were created by men in the tribe. Generally retired warriors and hunters of the tribe manufactured the sharpened stones. However, most boys were taught how to create the points at a very young age. It was a very precise procedure that took much practice to perfect. If a stone was incorrectly forged there was no undo button. The stone had to be discarded or downsized considerably, giving it an entirely new function. This is why such skilled men took on the task of arrowhead making. Not only did it take precious time but the type of stone needed was very scarce do to location so wasting it wasn’t an option for the tribe. __ Stone Used __ Fine grain structure is very important when creating a good arrowhead. The stone needs to be workable, meaning easily chipped or pressed. Secondly the rock has to be strong enough to accomplish its goal whether it is for hunting or war. Obsidian which is natural occurring volcanic glass fit the criteria the best. Wyoming was the biggest deposit area for this type of stone which made this type of arrowhead very secluded. Silicates were the second choice for tribes which included: flint, hornstone, jasper, agate, chalcedony, shale, greenstone, and chert. These rocks were rare as well. Large deposits of these stones were more centrally located in what is now Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and The Ozarks. Trading between tribes and traveling hundreds of miles was a very common practice when fulfilling the stone demand.

__ Sculpting Process __ The stones would be brought back from the deposits in large chunks. These chunks would be buried in damp soil to soften or temper the stone. After weeks of absorption the crafting would begin. First the large chunks would be split into rough plates using a hammerstone. Then the craftsman would begin a process called knapping. Knapping is the art of shaping stone using pressure flaking. To do this, the laborer would place the plate into his palm holding it with his fingers. Then with his opposite hand he would begin chipping the stone with a flaking tool. This tool was generally made of antler, bone, or even another stone. This side would be flaked until an appropriate beveled shape was created and then the same process was repeated on the other side. Finally, sharpening the arrowhead and completing the shaft attachment required what was considered a lighter rolling pressure. This might even require a different flaking tool. media type="youtube" key="FgkOitTbqLo?version=3" height="390" width="640"

[] When the desired shape, sharpness, and attachment point were created, the arrowhead was finished. It would then be attached to the shaft of the arrow which was made of cherry tree, bamboo, reeds, dogwood, and wild rose to name a few. These shafts would be feathered and marked for ownership. This projectile could now be taken out and used to hunt whatever it was designed for. __ Arrowheads Today __ Arrowheads tell archeologists a lot about the history of Native American tribes. When the stone points are found much analysis can be done. Researchers find DNA in the crevices of the stone to determine what was being hunted. They also trace the age of the stone with carbon dating letting them know how long it has been around. Another great thing about arrowheads is the fact that each tribe had their own designs so a tribe’s location can be determined by arrowhead location. Native American stone arrowheads are claimed to be the most recognizable artifact known to man. While the arrowhead is an essential part of American Indian culture, few know the trade of making them today. It is said that more non indigenous people know the art of knapping stone than Natives in today’s world. Stone arrowheads may be less important in today’s world but one cannot forget the vital role they played in Native American history.

Webliography 1.) "American Indian Archery Technology: Series in Ancient Technologies: The Office of the State Archaeologist at The University of Iowa since 1959." //The University of Iowa//. Apr. 2011. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. . This article covers all the main points of American Indian archery. It touches on the strategies of arrowhead design and uses. This is a credible site because it is from the University of Iowa.

2.) "Ancient Native American Indian Artifacts, Relics and Arrowheads - Museum Page." //Ancient Native American Indian Arrowheads, Indian Artifacts and Other Ancient Indian Relics - Home Page//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. . This website goes into detail about the history of arrowheads. It explains the importance of the stone and how archeologists go about naming arrowheads today.

3.) "Arrow." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. . This wiki explains the basics of an arrow. It describes all of the parts and different styles that are around. Wiki is an effective source for informative projects but its credibility is lacking.

4.) Bogan, Dallas. "Bow, Arrow Tipped With Quarried Flint Was Great Labor-Saving Invention For Native Americans." //TNGenNet, TNGenWeb Project, Inc.Tennessee Genealogy at Its Best. Home Page.// Web. 13 Apr. 2011. . All aspects of flint are discussed in this website. The author explains the labor involved in getting flint from the ground to the finished product. This website's domain is .org helping its credibility.

5.) Calhoun, Crede. "A Brief History of Native American Development The Bow." //Deep Creek Times - THE Online Source to Deep Creek Lake &Garrett County, MD//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. . This article gives some brief history on when Indians arrived in America and how hunting was a very important part of their survival process. It goes on to give some idea of how using arrowheads is important in understanding Indian history.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">6.) Dooley, Keith. "What Are Arrowheads Made Of? | EHow.com." //EHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Trusted Advice for the Curious Life | EHow.com//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5453672_arrowheads-made.html>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This website describes what arrowheads were used for. It also explains what types of stone were used to make them. Not a very credible source.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">7.) Dunne, Gearge W. "Arrowheads." //NEWTON, Ask a Scientist!// Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/natbltn/500-599/nb505.htm>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This article discusses a broad summary of all aspects of arrowheads. It starts with a little history of the arrowhead. It describes which types of stones were to be used, who made the arrowhead, and the technique used to shape them.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">8.) "Flintknapping." //Prehistoric Alabama//. Alabama Archeology. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://bama.ua.edu/~alaarch/prehistoricalabama/flintknapping.htm>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This website goes into detail about the types of stone used to create arrowheads. It also gives a good description of the steps involved to create stone arrowheads from mining to shooting.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">9.) "Flintknapping: Series in Ancient Technologies: The Office of the State Archaeologist at The University of Iowa since 1959." //The University of Iowa//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://www.uiowa.edu/~osa/learn/ancient/flint.htm>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This website describes the all of the techniques involved with flint knapping. It also discusses the tools used to complete each task. This is a credible site because it is from the University of Iowa.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">10.) Hirst, K. Kris. "Projectile Point - What Is a Projectile Point." //About Archaeology - The Study of Human History//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://archaeology.about.com/od/pterms/g/projectilepoint.htm>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This link briefly describes the process of making a stone projectile point. This website explains the terminology of the arrowhead. It claims the arrowhead to be the most identifiable artifact known to man. It gives a great timeline of how stone projectiles were developed.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">11.) "Historical Folk Toys - Catalog Continuation Page: Stone Arrowheads." //Historical Folk Toys, LLC - The Official Web Site of the Elves//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://www.historicalfolktoys.com/catcont/6201.html>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This article explains the advancement in the projectile point. It also states some myths about arrowheads and some truths to clear up some common misconceptions. This is not a very credible source.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">12.)"How to Make Arrowheads." //How to Videos, Tips and Instructions - Tipdeck.com//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. []. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">This is the introduction picture link. It represents a fantastic looking stone arrowhead.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">13.) "Indian Arrowheads." //Faculty.marianopolis.edu//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://faculty.marianopolis.edu/c.belanger/quebechistory/encyclopedia/arrowheads.htm>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This article describes some of the shapes of arrowheads. It also goes into some detail on the length and thickness of flint arrowheads.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">14.) "Knapping." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knapping>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This article defines knapping. It goes into detail all about the technique and tools used in the craft. Wiki is an effective source for informative projects but it's credibility is lacking.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">15.) Lacey, Theresa Jensen. "The Pawnee." //Google Books//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://books.google.com/books?id=ZWDYWYYIeD4C>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This book describes in specific the different types of arrowheads used by the Pawnee. It tells how they designed their arrowheads for humans versus animals. This is a very credible source. It is an actual published book that was written specifically about the Pawnee indians.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">16.) Laubin, Reginald. "American Indian Archery." //Google Books//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://books.google.com/books?id=xMF4OqmebHEC>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This book gives some interesting points about the decline of arrowhead making. It states that after white contact tribes were pushed around and introduced to the gun so arrowhead making began to decline. This is a very credible source. It is an actual published book that was written specifically about American Indian archery.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">17.) "Native American Indian Themed Crafts, Native Themed CraftSupplies." //Leathercraft Supplies, Native Heritage Craft Supplies//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://www.sbearstradingpost.com/native.html>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This is the source of the second picture of arrowheads which are made of different types of stone.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">18.) "Obsidian." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsidian>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This wiki discusses obsidian and why it can be used to create arrowheads. It explains that the grain structure allows it to be sharpened to an extremely fine point. Wiki is an effective source for informative projects but it's credibility is lacking.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">19.) Olsen, John. "YouTube - Techniques for Flintknapping : How to Make a Hornstone Arrowhead." //YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.// Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgkOitTbqLo>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This is a video of John Olsen with Expert Village. He shows viewers how to make a projectile point out of hornstone using pressure flaking. This is a great source because visuals help people learn on a whole different level.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">20.) "Part 2." //Apache Art//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://apachebow.com/page/2/>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This website tells which stones are good to use when making arrowheads and gives some great pictures of arrowheads. An apache Indian "Sam" is still making arrowheads and arrows which are being advertised on this website. This is not a very credible source.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">21.) Viegas, Jennifer. "Discovery Channel :: News - History :: Arrowheads Reveal Native American Origins." //Discovery Channel : Science, History, Space, Tech, Sharks, News//. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. <http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/06/05/arrowheads_arc.html?category=history>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This website discusses the importance of using arrowheads to trace and discover Native American history. It talks about the variation in tip manufacturing and how this can be used to trace it back to a certain tribe.