Paleoindian Projectile-Point Diversity in the American Southeast: Evidence for the Mosaic Evolution of Point Design

Abstract

Paleoindian projectile points occur in high numbers in the American Southeast, and when compared to other regions of the East, the Southeast has the greatest projectile-point diversity. In this paper, we trace changes in elements of projectile-point design in the region to reconstruct the different evolutionary histories of specific point attributes and how these changes affected Paleoindian point design through time. With this approach, we consider the role of a mosaic pattern of change on the evolution of material culture. We address when and where certain aspects of point design were adopted and how these traits may have influenced point function. By tracing changes in specific technological design elements, we identify some of the social and adaptive processes that resulted in such great point diversity in the American Southeast.