The Texas Clovis and Folsom Fluted Point Survey at Gault!

The Gault School of Archaeological Research (GSAR) proudly showcases the ongoing Clovis and Folsom Fluted Point Survey led by our esteemed colleague, Alan Slade. Commencing in 2017 through the inspiration and support of Dr. Michael B. Collins and GSAR, this research initiative has significantly expanded our knowledge of Paleoindian studies in the Western Hemisphere, introducing novel perspectives and a wealth of data.

The Texas Folsom Fluted Point Survey (TFFPS), spearheaded by the primary researcher and colleagues at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), is seeking your collaboration. Your assistance is crucial for collecting and updating artifact information, contributing to the inaugural edition of the Texas Folsom Fluted Point Survey.

Until now, Texas lacked an official Folsom point survey, with only limited localized attempts in the past. Floyd Largent's 1990s effort to establish a Folsom database echoed the Clovis model, but no publications followed. Earlier accounts by individuals like Tom Hester were more localized and on a smaller scale. The Largent survey documented 329 Folsom points from 86 localities in 57 counties. In 2023 the tally has approached 400 points from 80 counties. The TFFPS will eventually be curated at TARL.

Phase 1 involved a comprehensive literature review and engagement with various stakeholders to gather information on Folsom fluted points. Completed successfully, it sets the stage for Phase 3 and Phase 4, which will focus on a regional study of Folsom point occurrences and their concentrations within regions, allowing for comparative analysis with the Clovis survey. Phase 5 aims to create a digital database of Texas Folsom points, complementing the Texas Clovis point digital database and serving as a valuable resource for Texas Paleoindian archaeology.

The project's initial phases were funded by the Summer Lee Foundation and anonymous donors, while ongoing phases receive support from the Texas Archeological Society. The Texas Historical Foundation is set to fund Phase 5 in 2024, further propelling this significant archaeological endeavor.

Research Contact Information: alan.slade@austin.utexas.edu

Tel: c (512) 468-4664 w (512) 232-4898