Historic Period Metal Projectile Points And Arrows, Alberta, Canada: A Theory For Aboriginal Arrow Design On The Great Plains

Abstract

This study considers whether the design and performance of the Aboriginal arrow on the Great Plains changed after the arrival of Europeans. A review of bow and arrow mechanics determined that individual arrow components are closely related to each other and to specific arrow performance. Hence, archaeologically preserved metal and stone projectile point attributes are also related to the rest of the arrow and to its performance. Historic European and Aboriginal accounts describe how Aboriginal people made and used stone and metal tipped arrows. Possible temporal changes in arrow design and performance were examined using physical evidence, consisting of archaeological materials and intact stone and metal-tipped arrows. On the northern Great Plains, Aboriginal people used metal projectile points that were shaped differently, were larger (longer and wider), and weighed more than Late Prehistoric stone projectile points. Some differences in projectile point attributes were related to differences in other parts of the arrow between the two periods. Despite these differences in the size, balance and design of arrows from the two periods, their basic performance and that of the respective bows from which they were shot were remarkably similar.