These three projectile points all originated within what is now the state of Missouri. As they are each made of a typical, commonly acquired type of stone and they each assume readily identifiable types, they are not likely special points for ceremonial use. Because each assumes a regular, identifiable form, these were clearly made by practiced flintknappers who very likely used them as practical tools for hunting and/or for weapons.

Projectile points are sharp stone implements that were made and used by ancient peoples all over the world. Glassy stone such as chert, flint, or obsidian made particularly sharp, strong tools and was traded throughout the Americas for making projectile points. The points were fixed with pitch and sinew or fine cordage to the ends of projectiles such as spears, darts, or arrows. As these three points were made during the Archaic period, before the adoption of bows and arrows, they most likely served as the points of darts, and larger points such as the Sedalia point may have also served as the head of a spear.

 

 

For more information, you may contact the researcher(s) noted in the title of this exhibit entry, or Dr. Billie Follensbee, the professor of the course, at BillieFollensbee@MissouriState.edu