Definition: An arrowhead is the word used by archaeologists and enthusiasts alike to describe the artifact originally fastened to the end of an arrow shaft, whether made of stone, bone, metal or other material. Found on archaeological sites, and in collections and museums all over the world, an arrowhead is probably the most easily identified artifact of the past.
Arrowhead is used by collectors and the general public to describe the tip of any projectile such as a lance or a dart point; but in archaeological science, an arrowhead only refers to the tip of an arrow that was shot by a bow. You will often run across archaeologists who prefer to use the term 'arrowpoint'; and the more general term used by archaeologists for roughly triangular and pointy stone, bone or metal objects is 'projectile point'.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Arrowhead is used by collectors and the general public to describe the tip of any projectile such as a lance or a dart point; but in archaeological science, an arrowhead only refers to the tip of an arrow that was shot by a bow. You will often run across archaeologists who prefer to use the term 'arrowpoint'; and the more general term used by archaeologists for roughly triangular and pointy stone, bone or metal objects is 'projectile point'.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: bird point (in error; arrowheads can easily kill a deer)
