Nanticoke Notched
Date Range: 1400-1450 CE
Dimensions: These points range in length from 24-55 mm, width 12-23 mm and thickness 3-7 mm.
Shape: Nanticoke Notched points are simply side notched isosceles triangular preforms. Lateral edges are usually convex, but may be straight or concave. Basal edge configuration ranges from convex to concave. Cross-sections are lenticular.
Flake Pattern: Irregular complete bifacial flaking characterizes the majority of these points; however, same examples display total secondary retouch over one face and only edge retouch on the other.
Material: Onondaga chert is the predominant raw material, however a number of specimens were manufactured of Kettle Point, Ancaster chert, and Selkirk chert.
Distribution and Cultural Affiliation: Nanticoke Notched points are distributed throughout south-western Ontario. They have been found as far east as the St. Lawrence valley, and occur commonly as far north as the south shore of Georgian Bay.
This point form was used by Ontario Iroquoian groups. The vast majority were manufactured by prehistoric Neutral craftsmen, often at Onondaga chert outcrops workshop sites, while some appear to have been produced “in house” on the Parsons and Draper Southern Division Huron villages. Nanticoke Notched points have been recorded on many prehistoric Northern Division Huron and some St. Lawrence Iroquois villages.
Notes: It common to find these bifaces reworked as drills.
References: Fox, W.A. – 1981 Nanticoke Notched Points. KEWA 81-3.