Clovis point

A typical Clovis point is a medium to large lanceolate point with sharp edges, a third of an inch thick, one to two inches wide, and about four inches (10 cm) long. Sides are parallel to convex, and exhibit careful pressure flaking along the blade edge. The broadest area is towards the base which is distinctly concave with concave grooves called "flutes" removed from one or, more commonly, both surfaces of the blade. The lower edges of the blade and base are ground to dull edges for hafting. There is debate about how Clovis points were used. Originally it was assumed that they were used in a thrusting spear. Later suggestions arose that the points had been used as throwing spears, either as is or with spear thrower (atlatl) which technically would be considered darts, or as a braced weapon (pike). It is also possible the points were used in the animal butchering process.

Around 10,000 years before present, a new type of fluted projectile point called Folsom appeared in archaeological deposits, and Clovis-style points disappeared from the continental United States. Most Folsom points are shorter in length than Clovis points and exhibit longer flutes and different pressure flaking patterns. This is particularly easy to see when comparing the unfinished preforms of Clovis and Folsom points. Analysis of radiocarbon dates suggests that the Haskett Projectile Point is contemporary with Clovis and Folsom points.

Type description

Only a few recovered Clovis points are in their original condition. Most points were "reworked" to resharpen them or repair damage. This can make it difficult to identify which lithic tradition they come from.

Clovis type description:

• Clovis is a comparatively large and heavy bifacially flaked fluted lanceolate point, lenticular to near oval in cross-section with parallel to moderately convex lateral edges, a majority having the latter.
• Maximum width is usually at or slightly below midpoint, frequently resulting in rather long sharp tips.
• Bases are normally only slightly concave, the depth usually ranging from 1 to 4 mm (0.039 to 0.157 in) and arching completely across basal width.
• Basal corners range from nearly square to slightly rounded without forming eared projections.
• Length range is considerable, with a majority between 75 and 110 mm (3.0 and 4.3 in).
• Maximum width range is 25 to 50 mm (0.98 to 1.97 in), a majority near the former.
• Maximum thickness range, 5 to 10 mm (0.20 to 0.39 in).
• Normally fluted on both faces.
• Flutes are most often produced by multiple flake removals
• Length and quality of flutes is greatly variable, with length usually 30% to 50% of overall point length, and the majority near the former
• Base of flutes is often widened by subsequent removals of additional channel flakes or short wide flakes.
• There is minimal post-fluting retouch of basal areas.
• Overall flaking frequently irregular in both size and orientation, often including large facet remnants of early stage reduction processes
• There is very moderate evidence of pressure flaking
• Lower lateral and basal edges are smoothed by grinding, often resulting in slight tapering of base.
• Clovis points do not have recurved (fishtail) lateral edges, pronounced basal constrictions, or convex (Folsom-type) channel flake platform remnants.

Points generally weigh between roughly 25 grams and 35 grams. Specimens are known to have been made of flint, chert, jasper, chalcedony and other stone of conchoidal fracture. Quartz crystal were also used and those points tend to be smaller. Clovis points can vary even at a single site. The eight points found at Naco, while otherwise similar, ranged in length from 2 to 4 inches. A study suggested that Clovis points east of the Mississippi river had more diversity/richness than those in the west. Points found in North Carolina also suggest there were regional variations.