How Do You Spell FOLSOM POINT?

Pronunciation: [fˈɒlsəm pˈɔ͡ɪnt] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Folsom point" may seem straightforward, but understanding its pronunciation requires knowledge of IPA phonetic transcription. In this case, the "o" in Folsom is pronounced as a short "uh" sound, followed by a stressed "s" and a soft "m." The word "point" follows the typical English pronunciation, with a long "o" sound and a hard "t" at the end. Together, "Folsom point" represents a specific type of flint artifact used in prehistoric times, named after the town in New Mexico where it was originally found.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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FOLSOM POINT Meaning and Definition

  1. Folsom point refers to a specific type of prehistoric stone projectile point crafted by the Folsom culture, an ancient Native American culture that existed between approximately 13,000 and 8,000 years ago. The Folsom point is distinguished by its distinct shape, which features a symmetrical and leaf-shaped blade with a shallow concavity on each side, forming distinctive "flutes" that extend from the base towards the tip. These flutes were usually expertly crafted using a technique called fluting, in which precise pressure was applied to the base of the point to create these distinctive channels.

    Folsom points were typically made from chert, a hard and fine-grained stone material, and were valued for their exceptional sharpness and durability. Their craftsmanship illustrates the advanced techniques and skillful craftsmanship of the Folsom culture, which is known for their significant contributions to the development of fluting technology.

    The discovery of Folsom points has been instrumental in understanding the culture and lifestyles of early Native American inhabitants. These projectile points were frequently used as hunting tools, primarily for spear, dart, or arrow shafts, and their presence at archaeological sites has provided invaluable insights into hunting practices, migratory patterns, and trade networks of ancient peoples. Folsom points are considered important artifacts in the study of early North American history and have significantly contributed to archaeological research and the understanding of ancient human societies.

Etymology of FOLSOM POINT

The term "Folsom point" originates from the Folsom archaeological site, located near Folsom, New Mexico, in the United States. In the early 20th century, archaeologists discovered unique stone projectile points at this site, which were later named Folsom points. These points are distinctive because of their beautifully crafted fluted edges, used by indigenous peoples in the Americas during the Paleo-Indian period, dating back around 11,000 to 8,000 BCE. The term "Folsom" simply refers to the location where these points were first identified and extensively studied by archaeologists.