How Do I Use This Reference Collection?
reference collection consists of examples of a variety of prehistoric
Native American projectile points commonly found in central Illinois.
It is not comprehensive collection, but it provides examples from each
major period of prehistory (see the MuseumLink prehistoric Native American
module for more information about the periods of Illinois prehistory).
If you have a projectile point to identify, simply compare its characteristics
with the key, or you can explore the images and the database.
characteristics of a projectile point are more helpful than others in
identification. Characteristics of the point stem (see the Glossary,
below), as opposed to the point blade, are generally most informative.
We have developed a key, a step-by-step means of comparing an unknown
projectile point with known projectile points for the purpose of identification,
to help you identify your projectile points. Each step of the process
requires you to compare a specific characteristic of your specimen with
the example on the screen. For example, look at the specimen pictured
here. [Insert Image]
stem of the point. Is it notched or unnotched (see the Glossary)?
This specimen is notched.
What is the
type of notch: side notch or corner notch? This specimen has side
What is the
shape of the base: convex, flat, or concave? This specimen has a
Here are two
projectile points with side notches and a concave base. Which does
the unknown specimen most resemble? It most closely resembles the
Graham Cave point. For more information about the Graham Cave point
review the database about this particular specimen.