Sandia I
Sandia I points are lanceolate in shape and may be somewhat asymmetrical in outline. They are distinctive in having a single shoulder on one side of the stem. Gently rounded lateral edges on the upper portion taper to a point, while the rounded stem edges taper to the somewhat narrow, rounded base. Specimens are broadest somewhat below mid-section and have a lenticular cross section at this point. Both the stem and the base have been smoothed by grinding. Total length may vary from about 6.0 to 9.0 cm., and width from 2.0 to 4.0 cm. Manufacture was evidently by direct percussion and not as refined as on some later Early Man Points. Initial flake scars on point faces are irregular; point bases have been thinned by multi-directional flaking. Pressure retouch is absent.
Sandia I projectile points are accepted by most archaeologists as among the oldest documented, though not reliably dated, point types of the Southwest and North America in general. Similarly, the relationship of Sandia points to Clovis and other Early Man point types has not yet been clearly established. That Sandia points are older than Folsom points does remain certain, however. They may also be older than Clovis points.
SANDIA II POINTS
Sandia II points were discovered together with Sandia I points at Sandia Cave near Albuquerque, New Mexico. They differ from Sandia I points in a number of respects.
Single-shouldered Sandia II points are quite similar to those of the type Sandia I excepting details on the stem, base shape and certain aspects of workmanship. Instead of tapering to a rounded base, the straight-edged stem of Sandia II points contracts to a straight or slightly concave base. Workmanship is generally finer than in the other type, though achieved by the same means. Resolved secondary edge thinning is noticeable on many specimens. Sandia II points are also marked by vertical basal thinning, produced by the removal of a large, or several smaller longish flakes parallel to the point long-axis, anticipating perhaps the fluting found on Clovis and Folsom points. Vertical basal thinning is absent on points of the Sandia I type.
Sandia II
SANDIA III POINTS
Sandia III points were discovered in 1954 together with Sandia I, Sandia II, and other Early Man points in a series of blow-outs near Lucy, central New Mexico.