Geography

• Native American arrowheads are commonly named for the location in which the type was first discovered, such as the Clovis for Clovis, New Mexico. If there is already, a type with hat name archaeologists commonly named it for a nearby city, mountain range or body of water, such as Lost Lake or Snake River. The exact location and date when an artifact is found determine the type and its value.
  
  

Material

• The first Native American arrowheads were carved out of stone. Arrowheads have been made out of a variety of materials, including petrified wood, jasper, quartz, slate, agate and flint. Certain rocks, stones and organic materials are only found in specific areas of the country, which helps to determine a geographic region where the arrowhead was made, such as Coshocton Flint which is an Ohio lithic. This helps identify the native tribe that carved them.
  
  

Projectile Points

• Projectile points attach to the shaft of an arrow depending upon its intended use. The size, shape and weight of the arrowhead determine its effectiveness for a particular activity. Common projectile points include a blunt point used for target shooting, fish point used for spear fishing and a broadhead point used for hunting and in battle. Some arrowheads have mechanical blades that retract when the arrow strikes its target.
  
  

Features

• No two Native American arrowheads are the same as each was carved individually. However, each tribe had its own preference for the design, shape and features of the arrowhead. Some of them added notches on the side to tie to arrows, while others added carvings or grooves. The shapes of the base also vary. Shapes of the arrowheads may have been altered, as their ancient owner would resharpen the points as they became dull with use.