Malcolm T. McLaughlin Aurora Colorado
Central States Archaeological Journal April 2012
This article presents a group of triangular projectile points recovered from northern Mississippi that appear to represent a consistent, but currently unnamed, type. These points share a number of defining characteristics that separate them from more commonly recognized Late Prehistoric forms in the Southeast.
The specimens are small to medium in size and display a triangular blade form with straight to slightly excurvate edges. Bases are generally straight to slightly concave, with careful thinning and occasional smoothing. The workmanship suggests intentional design rather than variation within an existing type.
Material selection varies, but most examples are made from locally available cherts common to the Yazoo Basin and surrounding regions. Flaking is typically fine and controlled, indicating skilled craftsmanship. While some variation exists in size and proportions, the overall morphology remains consistent across multiple finds.
These points have been recovered in contexts associated with Late Prehistoric occupations, suggesting a temporal placement within the Mississippian period. However, their exact cultural affiliation remains uncertain. They do not cleanly fit into established typologies such as Madison or other well-documented triangular forms.
The repeated occurrence of these points within a defined geographic region raises the possibility of a localized or specialized form. Whether this represents a cultural variation, a functional adaptation, or a distinct type yet to be formally recognized remains open for further study.
As with many aspects of artifact classification, continued documentation and comparison will be critical. Additional finds, especially those with clear context, may help clarify whether this form warrants formal designation as a new point type.
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