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DALTON CACHE
EARLY ARCHAIC
JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI

9,000 TO 10,500 YEARS AGO
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Dalton cache point.
DALTON POINT FROM CACHE OF 10
JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
PRIVATE COLLECTION

Dalton abstract image.

DALTON POINT CACHE
EARLY ARCHAIC PERIOD
JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI

    This article illustrates 9 Dalton points that were reportedly found in a cache in Jackson County, Missouri. For many years they were in the Larry Van Bibber collection in central Illinois.

Cache of 9 Dalton points.
CLICK ON PICTURE FOR LARGE IMAGE

DALTON POINT CACHE
JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI

   The nine Dalton points pictured above are reported to have been found several years ago by Ed Smith in Jackson county, Missouri. Another Dalton point was also found with this cache making a total number of ten points. The other point was broken and not kept with this main collection of the points.

Dalton cache point.
DALTON POINT
JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
PRIVATE COLLECTION

    This is the third longest point in the cache. Some of the pressure flaking is very uniform and parallel. This point measures 5 5/8 inches (14.2cm) long.

   All of the Dalton points in this cache are made of white Burlington chert. Many Dalton caches seem to be made of this material. But some caches are made of other materials such as the two caches from the Olive Branch site that were made of black Pitkin chert.

Dalton cache point.
DALTON POINT
JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
PRIVATE COLLECTION

   This nicely flaked Dalton point has several pressure flakes that run parallel to each other. The base is also well thinned. This point measures 4 1/2 inches (11.4cm) long.

  These Dalton points range in size from 4 7/16 inches (11.2cm) for the smallest to 6 inches (15.2cm) long for the longest. They are all above the average size for Dalton points that have been found on sites in Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois. Daltons have been found as small as under 1 inch (2.5cm) long to as large as 15 inches (38.1cm) long.

Dalton cache point.
DALTON POINT
JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
PRIVATE COLLECTION

   This Dalton point is the longest one in the cache. The base contracts slightly giving it the appearance of having slight shoulders. This point measures 6 inches (15.2cm) long.

   Most Dalton points are small and were used as projectile points on the ends of darts or spears. Longer points were used as knives that were resharpened by beveling the blade edges. The largest Dalton points, measuring 9 to 15 inches (22.9cm to 38.1cm) long  were most probably used as grave offerings.

Dalton cache point.
DALTON POINT
JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
PRIVATE COLLECTION

   This is the fourth longest point in the cache. It measures 5 1/2 inches (14.cm) long.

   A similar cache of Dalton points were found on the Olive Branch site in southern Illinois by Bob Beasley. Thirteen points were found in that group. They are also made of white Burlington chert and are similar in style.
    Evidence from excavated Dalton graves on the Sloan site shows that Dalton caches are likely mortuary offerings and were once buried with the dead.

"REFERENCES"

1984, Thompson, Ben, "Who's Who in Indian Relics No. 6," pp. 309 & 313.
1997, Morse, Dan F., Sloan: A Paleoindian Dalton Cemetery in Arkansas."
2000, Onken, Bobby, "Legends of Prehistoric Art, Vol. 1, p.151."

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