Each and every arrowhead that you will ever see had a name. The name reflects the type of arrowhead that it is, as well as what category it falls into. The name given to an arrowhead is usually a direct result of where it was found.
These things go into determining “type” of arrowhead.
- Shape of the base
- Shape of the arrowhead
- How it flakes
- The material used to make the arrowhead
You should know that some ancient arrowheads may have been larger at one time. For instance, as an arrowhead was used, it would become dull. When they were re-sharpened they would naturally reduce in size, and the original shape of the arrowhead may have been changed, as well. Large arrowheads which would break or become misshapen due to re-sharpening were often turned into a different tool.
Other things you should know about arrowheads:
- The oldest point type of arrowhead on record in North America is the Clovis. The large Clovis arrowheads mark the time of “big game” hunting, such as the mammoth.
- As the size of the animals reduced, so did the size of the arrowheads being made by the American Indians.
- Notches were made in arrows to help bind them to the wooden shaft when tied.
- Arrowhead ties were made with plant fiber or animal sinew.
- Pine tree pitch was often used as glue to help the arrowhead join to the wood.
Very large arrowheads were really not arrowheads. They were usually knife blades or lance heads.