The Calf Creek Horizon

Research regarding the Calf Creek Horizon projectile point technologies is an avenue that has been barely plumbed and can add to the descriptive literature and new understandings about the social groups occupying the entire geographic range. Though these atlatl dart points are well recognized as large triangular, basally notched, and skillfully made bifaces, confusion regarding classification remains. Because the multiple points (Andice, Bell & Calf Creek) are visually similar many archaeologists generalize through a need for simplicity. Points are discussed mainly in typological frameworks that disagree, while technological analysis is either not understood or over-simplified. A technological approach can reduce subjectivity and discern some behaviors more clearly than typological methods.

Research by Sergio J. Ayala at the GSAR includes a preliminary synthesis of stem metrics, technological analysis, and experimental replication with an emphasis on notching techniques. Knapping techniques changed according to goals, aesthetic and functional, and knappers produced many subtle differences in hafting technologies and designs. Sergio’s work show that Andice, Bell and Calf creek points differ in preforms, platform preparation and knapping techniques from each other as well as other notched Texas points (Marcos, Martindale, Castroville, Bandy, Smith and Shumla).