Other Websites with Detailed Information:
Name Details:
Named By: Robert E. Funk
Named For:
Date Identified: 1967
Type Site:
Petalas Blade
Cluster:
Commonly Utilized Material:
Jasper (most common in Pennsylvania) ,
Argillite (most common in New
Jersey), and
Normanskill
Chert (most common in New York)
Date:
Cultural Period:
2,000 - 1,500 B.P.
Early Woodland
Little Ice Age
Fox Creek Culture
Glacial Period:
Culture:
Outline is Representative of Size and Shape:
Description of Physical Characteristics and Flaking Pattern:
This is a medium to large (4 to 7 inches), thin ovoid to lanceolate shaped
blade with a thin flattened cross section. The blade is excurvate in shape and broad. The base is square with a straight to slightly convex base. This point has a random flaking pattern.
The blade is formed with broad percussion flaking, but this preform generally lacks the finishing pressure
flaking.
Size Measurements: Total Length 58
to 180, Blade Width - 31 to 95 mm
Distribution:
Distribution Comments:
This point was first identified in the Hudson River Valley and the Chesapeake Bay, but are found into the Susquehanna and Delaware River basins. This point has also been found
into Vermont.
Additional Comments:
It has been argued that these represent butcher
knifes due to the high frequency that these blade are found in association
with sturgeon remains. However, it is thought that these do not
represent knives, but are preforms for the Fox Creek point.
Have been found in caches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
Caches commonly have a dozen to over 100 blades being present. The
most famous cache, Gresko cache, found by Mr. Michael Gresko on Sept 17h,
1043 in Chester County, Pa contained approximately 200 blades made from
jasper. When found in caches that are intact, the blades are commonly
arranged in a circle resembling petals on a flower.
Side note: The Gresko cache was kept in peach baskets in Mr. Gresko's
basement. His house burned down, and the blades went through the fire. The
cache blades have since been dispersed to various collectors, and all show
some form of blackening from the fire.
Other points in this Cluster:
Point Validity: Valid Type
Funk was a renowned
anthropologist who conducted extensive studies and excavations in the New England area. He was appointed to New York State Archaeologist and worked in the New York State
Museum as a research associate. This point was named in a professional publication and has many professional references. This
is a valid type.
.
Age Details:
Pictures Provided By:
Terry Summers
Brian Clayton
Roger Pomerantz M.D.
References: (See Reference Page, Entry Number):
30
Petalas Projectile Point, Petalas Arrowhead
