ARROWPOINTS, SPEARHEADS, AND KNIVES. 



935 



Figs. 184 and 185 are specimens of this class. Both are from the 

 Pacific coast. The former is stemmed and shouldered, witli pointed 

 base, and would belong to CUiss B, stemmed; while the latter is leaf- 

 shiiped, with convex base, and would belong to (Jlass B, leaf-shaped, 

 but for its serrated edges. The edges of the former are serrated 

 from the shoulder to the poiut; those of the latter have but three ser- 

 rations near the base, but the implement is so small that slight entry 

 into the flesh brings the serrations into use. A series of this class is 

 represented on Plate 38, figs. 1-9. 



CLASS C. — BIFIRCATED STEMS. (Plate 38, figs. 10-19.) 



These may be of standard types of any class of the stemmed division, 

 either shouldered or barhed, with edges concave, straight, or convex; 

 but, as in the class with serrated edges, here the bifurcated stem is a 

 peculiarity so marked as to transfer it to this division (fig. 186). 



Usually the bifurcated stem is neither expanding nor contracting, 

 but is straight, with i)arallel edges. What would otherwise be the base 

 is here occupied by a V-shaped notch. It is made by 

 the same method as is the notch forming the shoulder, 

 namely, chipping the flakes always in the same place 

 by pressure exerted alternately from each side. 



The flakes may have converted the former straight 

 base into a V-shaped notch, which must have served 

 for the insertion of the split shaft or handle. When 

 shafted or handled the bifurcation would be hid, but 

 it would seem to have afforded a firmer fastening. 



From observations of specimens, it appears that ar- 

 rowpoints of this size need not have been fastened firml}', 

 but were as frequently lashed so as to wobble and pos- 

 sibly be detached from the shaft and left in the wound.' 

 As the only attainment of the bifurcated stem ap- 

 pears to have afforded a firmer fastening (which was 

 not needed for arrows, but was for knives), it is suggested that these 

 may have been intended for knives and not for arrows. The well defined 

 difference between the two classes and their existence and employment 



Fig. 186. 



PECULIAR FOR.M OF 

 AKROWPOINT, WITH 

 BIF0RCATED STE.M. 



Tennessee. 



Division IV, Class C. 



IJxlixJ. 



Cat. No.8'3.i, U.S.N.M. 



'Cases are cited in the works on arrow wounds where the arrowpoiiit, having 

 entered the body, the foroible withdrawal of the shaft has left the head or pile in 

 the body. Many such cases have been observed by the surgeons of the Army and 

 reported to the Surgeon-General's Office, while the remains themselves have been 

 sent to and are now to be seen in the Army Medical Museum. 



