

The reason for this being that the weight of the arrowhead affects the flight of an arrow.Īrrowheads were made by a sustained effort of chipping and flaking stone, better known as “flint knapping.” Arrowheads are the smallest point types (generally measure less than 1 inch). Most people recognize an arrowhead when they see one- a stone-like object reshaped to be pointed at one end.Īrrowheads are artifacts used during the Stone age and dated back over 14,000 years ago.Īrrowheads are objects usually sharpened and fixed to the end of a shaft and shot with bows. There are many untold stories of children discovering vast amounts of clearly shaped points ( arrowheads and spearheads ) in common places from creek beds to fields. You May Also Like: The Official Overstreet Indian Arrowhead Identification & Price Guide ArrowheadsĪrrowheads are among the most easily recognized and found artifacts found in the world. It’s no easy feat!īut, it is usually pretty easy to determine the difference between arrowheads and spearheads. The type of material used, where it was found, the size of the flakes or the direction of knapping. It takes a trained eye to understand and notice the smallest details for correct identification. Sharpened rocks, that are literally thousands of years old. Heck, sometimes it’s even hard for trained professionals to distinguish!īut, consider what we’re talking about here. These wide varieties make it tricky for a general amateur to distinguish. Projectile points range in unique varieties of shapes and styles and vary from chronological periods, culture, and intended functions. Arrowheads Spearheads Smaller points Larger points Lighter than spear points Heavier than arrow points Capable of being projected or thrown at objects Presumed to have been kept in the hunter’s hand Made to be used with a bow and arrow Used on the end of a shaft for thrusting Dated back to 14,000 years ago Dated back to 200,000 years ago Used for hunting, targets, and warfare Used for hunting, fishing, and warfare Why The Confusion? Larger stone points, which are mistakingly referred to as arrowheads are actually not shot from a bow, but instead fixed to a large pole meant for thrusting or throwing. These are fixed to a shaft and meant to be shot with a bow and usually measure less than 1.5 inches in length. Generally, the smallest stone points were used as arrowheads and are often referred to as bird points.
#OBSIDIAN ARROWHEAD HOW TO#
How to Identify An Arrowhead or Spearhead You Found.As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In this article, I’m going to cover the main differences between arrowheads and spearheads, and why they are commonly confused.īy the end of this article, you should be able to determine what you may have found or acquired! In fact, there are hundreds of stone tools often mistaken as arrowheads. Not all pointy stone objects are arrowheads.
