Outline is Representative of Size and Shape:
Name Details:
Identifd By: University of New Mexico
Named For:
Date Identified: 1898
Type Site:
Identifd By: University of New Mexico
Named For:
Date Identified: 1898
Type Site:
Point Validity:
Valid type
The first description and discussion on this knife was by the University of New Mexico, Biological Series, Vol 2-5 in 1898. Since that time, there has been numerous references to this type. This is considered a valid type.
The first description and discussion on this knife was by the University of New Mexico, Biological Series, Vol 2-5 in 1898. Since that time, there has been numerous references to this type. This is considered a valid type.
Mescal Knife
AKA: Agave Knife Cluster:
Description of Physical Characteristics and Flaking Pattern:
This is a broad medium triangular blade with a thin elliptical cross section. The blade is primarily excurvate with a base that may vary from straight to concave. This point has a random flaking pattern.
Size Measurements:
Total Length - 40 to 55 mm, Width 30 to 40 mm (***based on small sample size***)
Total Length - 40 to 55 mm, Width 30 to 40 mm (***based on small sample size***)
Commonly Utilized Material:
Additional Comments:
Justice (2002), reports this as a wooden shaft with a triangular or ovoid blade hafted mid-shaft so that the knife could be held with two hands. The blades were "glued" into the shaft with resin from the agave, or other type, plants. Some examples had two blades attached to a single knife. They were used to chop the thorny exteriors from plants (including the maguey, agave, mescal. sotol, and other desert plats), so the edible interior of the plants could be accessed.
Justice (2002), reports this as a wooden shaft with a triangular or ovoid blade hafted mid-shaft so that the knife could be held with two hands. The blades were "glued" into the shaft with resin from the agave, or other type, plants. Some examples had two blades attached to a single knife. They were used to chop the thorny exteriors from plants (including the maguey, agave, mescal. sotol, and other desert plats), so the edible interior of the plants could be accessed.
Distribution:
Distribution Comments:
This point is most commonly associated with the desert cultures of Arizona, New Mexico, and into the surrounding regions.
This point is most commonly associated with the desert cultures of Arizona, New Mexico, and into the surrounding regions.
Age / Periods:
Date: 700 - 100 B.P.
Cultural Period:Late Prehistoric to Historic
Glacial Period: Modern Times
Culture: Kaibab, Maricopa, Mojave, Southern Piute, Yavapai, and other desert cultures
Date: 700 - 100 B.P.
Cultural Period:Late Prehistoric to Historic
Glacial Period: Modern Times
Culture: Kaibab, Maricopa, Mojave, Southern Piute, Yavapai, and other desert cultures
Age Details:
Other points in this custer / Related / Associated Points:
