Outline is Representative of Size and Shape:

Name Details:

Identified By: Gregory Perino
Named For: Preform for Adena points
Date Identified: 
Type Site:
Point Validity: Preform

Perino was a well-respected self-taught archaeologist who was the founder of the Illinois State Archaeological Society.  This point was named in a professional publication and has professional references to this type.  This is a preform.



Adena Blade
Preform
Cluster:
Description of Physical Characteristics and Flaking Pattern:
This is a medium to large, thin ovoid shaped point with a flattened cross section.  The blade is excurvate in shape and broad.  The base is convex.  This point has a random flaking pattern.  Percussion flaking is present, but this preform generally lacks the finishing pressure flaking.
Size Measurements:

Length - 70 to 150 mm (80 to 90 mm average), Width - 35 to 55 mm (40 to 48 mm average), Thickness - 7 to 15 mm (average 9 mm)
Commonly Utilized Material:
These points are primarily made of cryptocrystalline materials.  Rarely these points have been made of rhyolite, quartzite, chalcedony and jasper.  Materials are commonly heat treated.
Additional Comments:

Adena points that are associated with the Adena Culture, are primarily found in the Ohio River Valley.  There are many similar points within the Mound Builder Distribution that has similar characteristics to the Adena point.  Some of these include the Waubesa point (Hopewell), and the Dickson, Mason, and Florence point (Red Ocher Culture).  Adena style points found outside the Adena Cultural area should be evaluated for the possibility it is a similar type.

Points in this cluster were commonly used from the late Archaic period through the early to middle Woodland period (Justice 1987).

Early Adena points seem to be most commonly associated with the Tennessee River Valley and the point seems to spread from there in the early Woodland period (Kneberg 1956), however, the Adena culture is centered (and thought to originate) in the Ohio River valley (W11).

It is thought that the Adena point originated from the Cresap point, and as time progressed variation of this point were developed  (W11).

Perino identified these as preforms for Adena and Cresap points used by the Adena Culture.
Distribution:
Distribution Comments:

These points are found within the Ohio River Valley.  The normal distribution of the Adena points are marked in red (see Additional Comments).  The yellow section is the influence and trading network of the Mound Builders which include the Adena, Hopewell, and Mississippian Cultures.
Age / Periods:

Date: 3,500 - 1,300 B.P.
Cultural Period: Late Archaic to Woodland
Glacial Period: Neoglacial to Roman Warm
Culture: Adena culture
Age Details:

Similar Points:
Copena Round BaseKarnak BladeNorth Bi-Face Red OcherTear DropTennessee River
Other points in this cluster / Related points:
AdenaAdena DicksonAdena Narrow StemAdena RobbinsAdena Snapped BaseAdena Vanishing Stem Adena Waubesa CresapFulton TurkeytailGaryHarrison TurkeytailHebron Turkeytail
Pictures:


Pictures Provided By:

Rick Bahlau
Donald Maum
Tony Goff

Mike's Tennessee Arrowheads
Texas Arrowheads
Windy City Artifacts
Prehistoric Relics

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References: (See Reference Page, Entry Number):

10, 12, 17, 23, 27, 30, W2, W10, W11, W18
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