Indians are believed to be among the oldest settlers of northern America. This paper will examine the arrowheads used by the native Indians as an artifact from the pre historic period. This paper will focus on the stone curved arrowheads used by the native Indians in northern America.
The sizes of these arrow heads ranged from small to large. This indicated that there was the continued use of the arrowheads through sharpening that eventually made them diminish in size. The cloves were the simplest forms that were equally heavy and crude (Western Artifacts par. 8). The notched arrowheads were also simple but had a handle and were sharper than the cloves.
Other forms of large arrows also existed. They appeared like knife blades attached to a handle. Most of these arrowheads were decorated with plant fibers and animal sinew (Western Artifacts par. 11). The glue used to attach the arrow to the handle was extracted from the pine tree. The size of the Clovis measured four and a half inches and had a width of one and a quarter inches.
The Cumberland measured 3 1/8 inches by 1 inch. It had a steamer attached to it (Dee Artifacts par. 3). The native Indians used several types of arrowheads during prehistoric times. Each of these arrowheads was named according to the function and the first place they were found by archeologists. Besides, most of these arrowheads were named after the most significant nearest place to the point of discovery, such as a city (Western Artifacts, par 9).
Examples of such arrowheads are the Clovis discovered in New Mexico, and Cumberland discovered near the Cumberland River. The method used in identifying the arrowheads involved observing the shape of the base, the style used in flaking, and the material used to make the arrowhead (Western Artifacts par. 11). The ancient Indians were very economical when it came to the carving and use of stone tools.
They used their tools for extortion. Most of the arrowheads found in northern America suggested prolonged use of the arrowheads and the conversion of some arrowheads into other types of tools (Museum of Native Artifacts par. 5). The native Indian’s arrowheads were used mainly for hunting purposes. They were designed to be thrown and be able to penetrate the skin of the animal hence making the animal bleed to death (Museum of Native Artifacts par. 3).
Some of the arrows were used in the provision of security. They were used by ancient warriors in protecting Indian villages from attack by strangers and wild animals. The invention and use of arrowheads, therefore, helped the ancient Indians to improve their hunting tactics as well as security details. The advancements and improvements of these tools enabled the Indians to secure food easily.
The modern world has witnessed such artifacts being stored in the museums for historical records (Museum of Native Artifacts par. 1). However, some modern-day production of such tools still exists. They are used for home beautification purposes. Some are sold to the domestic and international markets and consequently earn revenue after the producers of such tools.
The historical significance of such tools amongst the Indians helps in getting more information about the history of the Indians (Dee Artifacts par. 1). The Indian arrowheads have been used by archeologists to place Indians as one of the oldest communities of northern America.
They also help modern people to appreciate the past. The use of such artifacts in academic work has made the inhabitants of northern America to appreciate the diversity, skills, and knowledge of every community in the evolution of humanity.
Works Cited
Dee Artifacts. Paleo Arrowheads, Artifacts, Cloves, Cumberland, Folsom, Dalton. 2010. Web.
Museum of Native Artifacts. Paleo Period 12000 BC – 8000 BC. 2013. Web.
Western Artifacts. Texas Arrowheads and Indian Artifacts. 2012. Web.