Crowfield Fluted
Date Range: 10,400-9900 BCE
Dimensions: Crowfield points range from ca. 40-65 mm in length, 22 to 35 in width, and 3-6.5 in thickness. Basal concavities are shallow.
Shape: The lanceolate points have a concave base but lack fishtails. Lateral basal edges markedly expand from the base to a maximum width around or (if the point is largely unresharpened) above, mid-point. The points are very broad and thin with flattened lenticular cross-sections.
Flake Pattern: The points exhibit a lateral retouch which does not tend to consistently terminate at any one point on the biface surface such as the mid-line. Because of the oblique lateral basal edge orientation to the mid-line of the point, retouch tends to be somewhat oblique from each edge (almost a “chevron” pattern) near the base. The points are very well-fluted. Flutes tend to extend from 1/2 to 3/4 of point length and are often multiple (2 to 3 flutes to a face). The lateral flute edges can expand markedly from the base. Bases are consistently finished by a short, parallel retouch in the basal concavity. Lateral basal edges and concavities are lightly ground.
Material: At the type site, Onondaga chert was predominantly used. However, specimens from the type site and other areas of Ontario are on Collingwood (Fossil Hill) chert.
Distribution and Cultural Affiliation: These points are found throughout the central to eastern Great Lakes area.
References: Ellis, C. – 1984 Crowfield Fluted Points. KEWA 84-5.5