Exploring late Paleoindian and early Archaic unfluted lanceolate point classification in the Southern Plains

• Published in: North American archaeologist Vol. 36; no. 4; pp. 243 - 265
• Main Authors: Jennings, Thomas A, Smallwood, Ashley M, Waters, Michael R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-10-2015
• Subjects: typology; Paleoindian; Archaic; cluster analysis; principal component analysis
• ISSN: 0197-6931; 1541-3543
• DOI: 10.1177/0197693115572763

During the late Paleoindian and early Archaic periods, the Southern Plains witnessed a diversification in unfluted lanceolate point styles. The classification of these points into distinct and meaningful typological groups continues to play a fundamental role in building an understanding of cultural changes at the end of the last Ice Age. In this study, we analyze a sample of points from the Hogeye site, Texas to explore unfluted lanceolate point classifications. The results suggest the presence of at least three late Paleoindian/early Archaic point hafting traditions in the Southern Plains, an Angostura/Thrall Tradition, a Dalton/Golondrina Tradition, and a Plainview/St. Mary's Hall Tradition.