A corner notch is a specific type of projectile point or stone tool hafting style in lithic technology, defined by notches placed at the corners of the artifact’s base. These notches allow the point to be securely attached (hafted) to a shaft or handle.
🌍 Definition
- Corner Notch: A projectile point or tool with notches cut into the corners of its base, creating barbs and a stem for hafting.
- Function: The notches help bind the point to a wooden shaft using sinew, fiber, or resin.
🔑 Characteristics
- Location of Notches: At the basal corners, angled upward toward the blade.
- Shape: Produces barbed shoulders and a narrowed stem.
- Variation: Can be shallow or deep depending on cultural tradition and intended use.
- Hafting Efficiency: Provides strong attachment and prevents slippage during use.
📚 Archaeological Significance
- Cultural Typology: Corner-notched points are diagnostic of certain prehistoric cultures, especially in North America.
- Chronology: Often associated with Late Archaic and Woodland periods, though variations appear earlier.
- Functional Insight: Indicates hunting practices, weapon design, and technological adaptation.
- Regional Styles: Different Indigenous groups developed distinctive corner-notched forms (e.g., Elko Corner Notch, Cottonwood Corner Notch).
🛠 Examples
- Elko Corner Notch (Great Basin): Broad blade, deep corner notches, dating to ~1500–500 BCE.
- Cottonwood Corner Notch (California/Nevada): Smaller, triangular form with shallow corner notches, often used for arrow points.
- Woodland Period Points (Eastern US): Corner-notched styles used for both spears and arrows.
✨ Summary
A corner notch is a hafting style in lithic technology where notches are cut into the basal corners of a projectile point, creating barbs and stems for secure attachment. These points are culturally diagnostic and provide insight into prehistoric hunting and tool-making traditions.