Hafted Biface Analysis: Specimen 3

Specimen 3 (46808-711) from Ceremonial Cave is a small dart tipped by a chipped-stone point which was apparently snapped off at its base during impact, a force which also split the wooden foreshaft. The shaft was originally painted with red pigment and scored near the haft area, possibly to hold the sinew wrapping more securely. The specimen is radiocarbon dated to 170 B.C.- A.D. 1530 (AMS date on wooden foreshaft exterior). Based on CT scan of the chipped-stone point basal portion beneath the wrap, the point is tentatively classified as type Carlsbad. TARL Collections. Photo by Laura Nightengale.

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