THE ARCHEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF NEW YORK 



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the bow, or so large that when it reached its objective it would 

 rebound or at most make only a bruise. Such bruising or stunning 

 points as are found are blunt and evidently designed for killing or 

 stunning birds or small mammals. The second object of the arrow 

 point makers was to produce points of a certain style, the reasons 

 for which they had in mind. Whatever may have been these reasons, 

 we may only conjecture, but we do know that there are numerous 

 forms and combinations of forms. 



Fig. 48 Quartz blades in various stages of chipping and revealing 

 the process of making an arrow point. From Long Island. x% 



In many sites the various types found are so distinctive that 

 related sites elsewhere may be identified. By this and other means 

 we are frequently able to trace the migrations of tribes ; thus, if 

 small triangular points prevail we may assume (in New York) that 

 the Iroquois have occupied the site where the specimens were found. 

 Fragments of decorated pottery would of course be strengthening 

 evidence. 



The numerous forms in which arrowheads were made make anv 

 attempt to describe all varieties a lengthy and difficult task. Not only 



