Definition: An arrowhead is the word used by archaeologists and enthusiasts alike to describe the artifact originally fastened to the end of an arrow shaft, whether made of stone, bone, metal or other material. Found as part of an archaeological site assemblage, in isolation on farm fields and in private collections and museums all over the world, an arrowhead is probably the best known artifact of the pastâ€"and a bit misunderstood.
The term "arrowhead" is used by collectors and the general public to describe the tip of any projectile such as a spear or a dart point; but in archaeological science, an arrowhead only refers to the tip of an arrow that was shot by a bow. As a result, some archaeologists prefer to use the term 'arrowpoint' to be more explicit. The general term used by archaeologists for roughly triangular and pointy stone, bone or metal objects attached to any kind of a shaft is 'projectile point'.
Sources and More Information
See the Top Myths and Facts about Arrowheads for more information about what scientists have discovered and what they have so far failed to communicate to the public about arrowheads.
This glossary entry is part of the Guide to Stone Tools and the Dictionary of Archaeology.
No comments:
Post a Comment