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How to Identify Arrowhead Types in North Carolina

Arrowheads are tangible reminders of past human innovations, and you can find them throughout the United States. Chances are, some are in your own backyard. The Piedmont, Coastal and Mountain regions of North Carolina have plenty of arrowheads for the collector to find. Each arrowhead type, such as the popular Appalachian, Big Sandy or Redstone, falls under a classification based on its shape. The Appalachian, for example, falls under the stemmed shape classification. With approximately 130 arrowhead types in North Carolina alone, determining the specific type takes additional effort and research.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass
Classification guide
Logbook

Instructions

- 1
  
  Does the arrowhead come from the Piedmont, Mountains or Coastal region?
  
  Note the region where the arrowhead came from. You probably won't find an Appalachian arrowhead in the Piedmont or Coastal regions, so being aware of where the arrowhead was located will help you narrow down the type. If you are purchasing an arrowhead, ask for this information and make detailed notes of where the collector found the piece. Consider detailing this information in a logbook and take it with you on any expeditions.
- 2
  
  A magnifying glass is an invaluable tool in arrowhead identification.
  
  Examine the arrowhead using a magnifying glass for closer inspection. The overall shape can be triangular or resemble a leaf. An arrowhead can have a flared shoulder edge, an expanding stem or a concave base. The projectile bottom, or "stem," can be smooth or notched. E-notches at resemble the letter E. Convex bases are wider than the projectile shape.
- 3
  
  Visit a local library for free resources.
  
  Compare the shape of your arrowhead to the shapes provided in classification guidebooks or charts online (see Resources). For example, an arrowhead you find in any region of North Carolina that has an expanding notched stem with a triangular projectile shape is a Big Sandy arrowhead.

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