Early Man Projectile Points in the Southwest

Points used by Early Man were likely thrown at game with a spear-thrower or atl-atl, rather than shot at them with a bow and arrow. Atl-atls were probably of wood, and had a long groove on one side. Into this groove was placed the spear with a point hafted onto one end. The atl-atl was thrust back and thrown forward, releasing the spear on the forward thrust.

On the basis of findings, archaeologists have reconstructed two widespread methods of hunting by Early Man. In the first instance, game was observed, stalked and killed at watering places. In the second, game was driven into an arroyo, stream, lake, or pond, or stampeded over a cliff.