MILNESAND POINTS
Milnesand points were first recorded at a site near Milnesand, New Mexico.
Milnesand
Lanceolate in shape, Milnesand points are broadest either at mid-section or somewhat above. Upper lateral edges are slightly to markedly rounded, while the lower edges are straight and taper a little towards the typically straight base. Bases on some may be slightly rounded or concave. Average dimensions are: length 5.0 to 8.0 cm., width 2.0 to nearly 3.0 cm. Workmanship is generally quite fine, and has been achieved with either direct or indirect percussion, or possibly pressure. Secondary thinning of both lateral and basal edges often occurs and is by pressure. Initial flaking of point faces is patterned: transverse flake scars are approximately parallel to one another and at right angles to the point long-axis. These scars terminate at the point mid-line; some specimens may have a distinct median ridge on one or both faces. Horizontal basal thinning, accomplished primarily during initial flaking may be accompanied by the removal of small flakes vertical to the point long-axis. Both the lower lateral edges and base are carefully smoothed.
Milnesand points at the type site were found with the remains of bison, possibly an extinct form. They occur widely in eastern New Mexico and western Texas. Others have been found in Nebraska, Iowa, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Alaska. Similarities of Milnesand to Plainview points have been noted by archaeologists, who have suggested the two may be related and probably were partly contemporaneous. They may be distinguished from one another by the following attributes: The base on most Milnesand points is straight, while it is predominantly concave on Plainviews; thinning of Plainview bases was accomplished primarily by the removing of a few, fairly large vertical flakes, while Milnesand bases were thinned primarily by the removal of horizontal flakes, and only secondarily by the removal of small flakes. Finally, the smoothing of lower lateral edges on Milnesand points generally extends up further than on Plainview points, sometimes to a point beyond the mid-section.