Hello: In the NW metal projectile points are pretty rare in historic period Native American sites. Why? Shorter transition to market economy? Fast transition to fire arms? I am not sure. I have seen tools made of glass (scrapers) but they are rare as well. Not really an answer to these questions I guess, I would be interested in a good citation as well.
Thanks
Dan Martin

-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Branstner, Mark C
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 8:39 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Historic Native American Metal Points

Good Morning Folks,

The presence of brass, copper, and iron arrowheads on historic period Native American sites is nearly ubiquitous ... and there are usually a few examples in most appropriately dated contexts.

I have two questions:

(1) Is there any evidence for the European manufacture and/or marketing of metal points to the Native American community? It would seem logical that such a trade existed, but any citations or recommendations would be appreciated. I am guessing that given 300 years of contact and different markets, there may be multiple answers.

(2) Are there any 'standard' or superior references to this topic that I should know about?

Thanks in advance,

Mark


___________________________________


Mark C. Branstner, RPA

Historical Archaeologist


Illinois State Archaeological Survey

Prairie Research Institute

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

209 Nuclear Physics Lab, MC-571

23 East Stadium Drive

Champaign, IL 61820


Phone: 217.244.0892

Fax: 217.244.7458

Cell: 217.549.6990

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"As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their

faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving

only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their

cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp taste

of the wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to

make plans." - E. Hemingway