Knapping Arrow Points

Early Native American civilizations were among those who made arrow points and weapons from stone. Groups often had knapping sites they went to at least annually, if suitable materials weren't available close to their traditional village sites. I know the Hardaway site near Badin, North Carolina, and Arrow Point close to the Missouri River on the Santa Fe Trail were such places.


Flint was a common material, because it flaked off when stuck, it would break with sharp edges, and pressure could be applied for the finishing touches. Other materials often used included obsidian, quartzite, chert, and jasper. Expert knappers knew how to get the stones to break the way they wanted. To finish the point, they applied pressure with a tool, such as a deer antler.

Point for hunting

The arrow points in which the corners at the broad end hooked deep toward the blunt end where it would be attached to a stick were made to be used in battles. An arrow point shaped like this would do even more damage coming out. The ones without this, especially the ones with rounded corners on the broad, end were designed for hunting. Arrows with these points would be easier to pull out, so they could be reused. Of course, smaller arrowheads would be meant for smaller prey.

Today, there are still knappers around. A few community colleges have courses in it. Bow hunters are sometimes interested in the skill, as well as those of us who love history. Of course, stone was not the only material used for points, but it's one of the oldest.

______________________________________