478 SOME ABORIGINAL SITES. 
downward and across the spinal eanal and pierced the right pedicle, the tip of 
the spearhead projecting an inch beyond the pedicle (Fig. 20). It is still firmly 
embedded in the bone. 
Fic. 20.—Human vertebra transfixed by a spearpoint of antler, “The Indian Knoll.” (Full size.) 
The right pedicle is completely separated from the body of the vertebra, 
while on the left side a fracture extends from the upper surface of the body 
downward through about three-quarters of the base of the corresponding pedicle. 
The lower, posterior margin of the body of the first lumbar vertebra also 
is somewhat crushed by the pressure of the spearhead. 
Death must have occurred soon after the wound was inflicted, as the bone 
presents no indication of repair. 
The spearhead evidently was thrust into the side at a little distance from 
the spinal column and probably was covered by flesh when it penetrated the 
vertebra. Removal of the shaft then left the point concealed and beyond the 
reach of one who might wish to extract it. 
The antler spearhead, unbroken and well-preserved, has a length of 3.9 
inches and measures .8 inch across the base, which is unbarbed. The socket 
for the shaft has a depth of one inch and is .5 inch in diameter of opening. The 
surface presents longitudinal markings or facets, apparently made by a paring 
or scraping tool, while the apex has been rather abruptly pointed. The spear- 
head has been in no wise impaired by its passage through the bone, a fair indi- 
cation of the effectiveness of points made of such material. 
Though antler points are found from Maine to Arkansas,’ human bones 
retaining them have been rather infrequently met. 
1 С. C. Willoughby, *Antler-pointed Arrows of the Southeastern Indians," American Anthro- 
pologist, ЇЧ. 8., vol. III, p. 431. 
