Stone Age New York

Curved Point with flutings assembled

Shown with flutings removed

          This leaf shape fluted point offers information about lithic reduction strategy and stone tool design during the paleoindian fluted point period thought to have begun with Clovis and continued to the end of Folsom some 10,000 years ago. This artifact had at least four flutings removed from it, of which, two were found. The combined pattern of all flutings that were removed is also leaf shaped.

          Notice that the shape of one of the missing flutes near the bottom of the artifact is the previously described Clovis "Heart" pattern. This is evidence that these curved fluted points were probably crafted by Clovis fluted point makers. The base of the artifact is concave, also similar to the Clovis Fluted Point.

          The maker of this curved fluted point was a highly skilled craftsman and expert stone tool maker. This artifact was cut so precisely that a fossilized shell on the reverse side of the larger fluting fits snugly into the shell's pattern remaining on the front of the base piece.

Beveled with fluted tip

Stands on Base

Front View

First Standing Position

Second Standing Position

          Fluted points found in western New York are of different varieties and origins. Besides the Clovis Fluted Point which is lanceolate shaped, there is another weapon point made by early hunter-gatherers that is manufactured in at least three different shapes. The flared ear fluted point has an extended base or "ear" that effectively widens the wound of the weapon point as it enters the body of prey. These points are lanceolate, triangular and even roughly chevron in shape. Some are beveled, with a resulting ridge that runs the length of the artifact. Being neither a Clovis or Folsom point, they were, nonetheless, manufactured during the paleoindian period.

          Flared Ear Point, with fluted tip. This point is beveled, with a ridge that runs the length of the artifact.

          Flared Ear Point, similar to first, but triangular in shape. This point stands balanced when placed on its base.

          Triangular Flared Ear Point, shown flat and standing. This point interestingly has a double surface base which allows the artifact to stand in two positions, shown here. Its maker demonstrates a highly developed knowledge of physics and lithic reduction technique to develop a point that has this balancing ability. The center of gravity has to be exact to keep the artifact from falling over.

Genesee Clovis Point

Triangular

Clovis Heart

Pentagonal point made of flint

          This cache of Clovis artifacts from the valley of the Genesee is representative of point styles used by Clovis hunters in this region of New York State eleven millenia ago. All artifacts are made from Onondoga flint. The base of three of the points have different width ears of which one is narrower than the other. Interestingly, the appearance of the base is similar to the image of the head and tail of a bird. This bird-like image is most apparent in the outline of the Curved Clovis Point.

          Photo of Genesee River Clovis Fluted Point. This point is a knife as opposed to a spearhead, and the flute serves as a thumb grip. Engineered to comfortably fit in the user's hand, it is capable of making precision cuts. It may have been made for a left handed owner.

          Clovis Fluted Triangular Point. This weapon point has ears of varying width and a fluted base.

          Clovis Curved Point. Concave fluted base with wide and narrow ears.

          Clovis Fluted Pentagonal Point. Concave fluted base, partially removed ear forms pentagonal and narrow base ear. Use as a weapon point.

          Clovis Points courtesy of Spiritwalker.