Frame of Paleo Clovis Points, a Folsom Point and a Folsom Ultra Thin

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Clovis points are a distinctive type of prehistoric stone tool that is associated with the Clovis culture, one of the earliest known Native American cultures in North America. These points are named after the town of Clovis, New Mexico, where they were first identified.

Here are some key points about Clovis points:

Appearance: Clovis points are characterized by their distinct shape and design. They are large, fluted projectile points that were crafted from stone, typically chert or other fine-grained materials. The points have a triangular or lanceolate shape, with a concave base and fluted channels on both sides. The flutes are long, narrow grooves that extend from the base toward the tip.

Age and Cultural Significance: Clovis points are associated with the Clovis culture, which existed approximately 13,500 to 12,800 years ago during the Paleoindian period. They are considered to be some of the earliest stone tools associated with human activity in North America, indicating the presence of early hunter-gatherer populations.

Function: Clovis points were used as spear or dart tips for hunting large game, such as mammoths, mastodons, bison, and other now-extinct megafauna. The points were attached to the end of a wooden shaft, forming a projectile weapon that could be thrown or thrust at the prey.

Manufacturing Technique: Clovis points were skillfully crafted through a technique called flintknapping. The process involved carefully shaping and flaking the stone material to create the desired shape, thinning the edges, and creating the characteristic flutes. The fluting technique, which involved removing long, parallel flakes from the base, allowed the point to be securely attached to the spear shaft.

Distribution: Clovis points and artifacts associated with the Clovis culture have been found across much of North America, from the southwestern United States to as far north as Canada and even into parts of Central and South America. Their wide distribution suggests that the Clovis culture had a significant presence and influence during that time period.

Cultural Significance: Clovis points are significant because they provide evidence of early human migration into and throughout the Americas. The presence of these stone tools indicates the ability of early humans to adapt to and thrive in diverse environments, as well as their hunting strategies and technological advancements.

Clovis points are not only important archaeological artifacts but also iconic symbols of early human history in North America. They provide valuable insights into the lives, skills, and behaviors of the people who inhabited the continent during the Paleoindian period.