OBSIDIAN POINT-MAKING [motion picture]
Series: MCIS film collection
Place of publication: UCEMC;SOC, c1965
Number of pages: 16
Description: The California Indians utilized three known methods of fashioning obsidian arrow points: direct percussion, indirect percussion and pressure flaking. The most common method, pressure flaking, is demonstrated by a Tolowe Indian of Northern California. California Indians set up workshops near quarries and streambeds where the larger obsidian blocks were reduced to blank size with a hammerstone. The blanks, now transportable size, were further reduced to finished arrow points with a bone chipper. In addition to the obsidian arrow points, the film considers other types of projectile points and uses and significance of many obsidian artifacts in aboriginal cultures.
Notes: Miami University's MCIS film collection