Gainey Fluted

Gainey Fluted Point Group Shot

Gainey Fluted Point Line Drawing

Gainey Fluted Point 8

Gainey Fluted Point 7

Gainey Fluted Point 6

Gainey Fluted Point 5

Gainey Fluted Point 4

Gainey Fluted Point 3

Gainey Fluted Point 2

Gainey Fluted Point 1

Date Range: 10,800-10,600 BCE

Dimensions: Measured points range from 35-120 mm in length, 20-37 mm in width, and 6-10 mm in thickness. Basal concavities tend to be 4-8 mm in depth.

Shape: Gainey points have a deeply concave base but lack fishtails. Although the lateral basal edges can expand slightly from the base to a maximum width around mid-point, the points are essentially parallel-sided. The points are relatively wide and somewhat thick. Cross-sections are of a marked lenticular form.

Flake Pattern: Flaking is very similar to that for Barnes points given elsewhere in this series, including: parallel-lateral retouch; a tendency for long, parallel sided flute removals, and composite fluting. Lateral basal edges are very heavily ground such that in some cases a distinct “insetting” (almost a shoulder) is formed at the juncture of the ground and unground areas.

Material: Although some Gainey points are known on Collingwood chert, most of this type tend to be on local Onondaga, or Upper Mercer, Flint Ridge and Ten Mile Creek cherts from Ohio.

Distribution and Cultural Affiliation: These points are found in southern Ontario

Notes: Gainey Fluted points can be distinguished from Enterline points by their deeper base concavity, longer flutes (half the length of the point, or more), and overall higher quality workmanship

References: Ellis, C. – 1984 Gainey Fluted Points. KEWA 84-7., Ellis, C., and Wright, H. - 2023 Early Fluted Point Types in the Upper Midcontinent (unpublished manuscript).