Projectile Point Typology and Chronology in the North Central Sierra Nevada

Abstract

Despite years of concerted research, no well substantiated projectile point chronology for the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada has been established. Several reasons for this have been identified, including a lack of datable contexts, stratigraphic mixing, and excessive morphological variability resulting from material constraints and regular tool resharpening. Existing projectile point typologies, while accommodating the full range of morphological variation, have proven cumbersome due to large numbers of distinct types and sub-types. Further, chronological control has relied on inferences drawn from other regions, with little local support for inferred point sequences. To address these problems, the following study employs a large assemblage of projectile points from three stratified archaeological sites in the American River watershed. Projectile points are segregated using two common measurements—neck width and proximal shoulder angle. The newly defined types are then compared to regional stratigraphic patterns, revealing a consistent sequence of dart and arrow point types spanning the middle through late Holocene.