Barnes Fluted
Other Names: Cumberland
Date Range: 10,600-10,400 BCE
Dimensions: Barnes points range from 35-105 mm in length, 15-30 mm in width, and 3.5-8 mm in thickness.
Shape: Barnes fluted points are lanceolate shaped with fishtails. Lateral base edges expand moderately from the “waist” above the fishtail to a maximum width at, or if the point is largely unresharpened, just below midpoint. The points tend to be narrow and thick with marked lenticular cross-sections.
Flake Pattern: The points exhibit well-executed parallel-lateral flaking which terminates along the mid-line on each face. The ridge formed by these terminations down the mid-line was used as a guide for long (up to 80 mm), single, parallel-sided flutes. Flutes tend to extend to the tip on one face and from 1/2 to 3/4 of length on the other. There are never more than 2 flutes to a face. Often, the base of the flute has been widened and the base thinned by the subsequent removal of a single, short, broad flake (the “Barnes” finishing technique; see Roosa 1965). Lateral basal edges and basal concavities are lightly ground.
Material: In north south-western to south-central Ontario, most points are made on Fossil Hill chert, while in more southerly areas Onondaga chart is common. Bayport and Ten Mile cherts also occur.
Distribution and Cultural Affiliation: Barnes points are diagnostic of the Parkhill industry which occurs in southern Ontario, eastern Michigan, northern Ohio and western New York state.
References: Ellis, C., – 1984 Barnes Fluted Points. KEWA 84-6.