About searches

There are two different ways to view the projectile points. The first in an alphabetical listing. This is the best way to view points if you are looking to see what projectile points and tools are found in a specific region. The other way to projectile points is by shape. This is the best method if you are trying to find or identify a specific point. Both of these methods are viewable in three different sections.

First is National. This listing is the most accurate listing of all the methods. The disadvantage to this is that the listings are very large. There are currently over 1200 projectile points and tools listed on this page. Because of this, if you are using a dial-up service it may take a few minutes for the alphabetical list to pull up.

Second is Regional. This breaks the points down into the regions they are found in. There are still many points listed and it may take a while to go through. The other disadvantage to this method is that some points may transition out within a region they are not listed. In this case the point would only be found within a small area where the two regions meet and not throughout the most of the region.

The third is by individual state. This is the easiest way to identify a point. The listings are smaller and only apply to the area in question. There are a few problems with this method. First, not every state has a comprehensive listing (check references). For these states national listings were uses along with distributional areas listed in books from other states. In any state that a comprehensive list was not available, local variations and area specific points may not be listed. Alaska is listed in national and individual state searches, but is missing many points found there.

If you are trying to identify a point the best way to accomplish this is start in the state that the point was found. If you are unable to find it within the state then go to the region the state is located in. If you are still unable to identify it check the region closest to the state (the point my have been packed in, or could be in a transitional area).

If you find a point in an area that it is not listed please contact us. We will update the area to better reflect the points located there. It is only through your help that this resources can become the most comprehensive and accurate listing available.

Currently not every point listed has a picture with it. All points have an outline that gives you an idea of the size and shape of the point. If you have a point that is not listed please consider donating a picture of it. This helps others identify their points in the future.

Thanks for your time and help

Return to Main Menu