The last two references are probably to the large and finely worked pieces used for ceremonial or ornamental purposes.
Classification of the Implements.
The only practicable division of the greater part of the smaller flints is into stemmed and stemless, the former having a prolongation at the base for firmer attachment to a shaft or handle, the latter being of a triangular or oval shape. The stemmed implements may be barbed or not, and the stem either narrower or broader toward the end.
The name “arrowhead” so commonly applied, fits only the minority of specimens, as none but the smaller ones could be so used; the larger are too heavy. The longest stone arrowpoint in the extensive collection of arrows in the National Museum measures two and five-eighths inches in length and is narrow and thin. An arrowpoint two inches in length is seldom seen. The larger specimens were probably knives and spearheads; but it would be difficult to assign any certain use for a particular type, the markings on so many indicate usage for which their shape would seem to render them unsuitable. It is probable that a single specimen served a variety of purposes.
Wood, bone, and shell were also used to a considerable extent, in the manufacture of implements for which flint would seem much better adapted. Thus for fish spears the southern Indians used canes, sharp-pointed, barbed, and hardened in the fire,[163] while knives were formerly made of flint or cane; these are still used when the hunting knife has been lost.[164] The California Indians had arrows tipped with hard-pointed wood for common use, and with agate or obsidian for war.[165]
The accompanying diagram ([figure 176]) will render plain the different terms used in the following descriptions:
| Fig. 176—Diagram, explaining terms. |
a Point. b Edge. c Face. d Bevel.[166] e Blade. f Tang. g Stem. h Base. i Notch. k Neck. m Barb, or shoulder. |
The only difference between barb and shoulder is that the barb is prolonged toward the base. The shoulder is called squared or rounded according to whether the edge of the implement makes an angle or a curve where drawn in to form the stem.
In the stemless specimens the base is the end opposite the point.
A tapering stem means one narrowing toward the base; straight, one whose sides are parallel; and expanding, one which is widest at the base.