Milnesand points were first recorded at a site near Milnesand, New
Mexico.
[Illustration: _Milnesand_]
Lanceolate in shape, Milnesand points are broadest either at mid-section
or somewhat above. Upper lateral edges are slightly to markedly rounded,
while the lower edges are straight and taper a little towards the
typically straight base. Bases on some may be slightly rounded or
concave. Average dimensions are: length 5.0 to 8.0 cm., width 2.0 to
nearly 3.0 cm. Workmanship is generally quite fine, and has been
achieved with either direct or indirect percussion, or possibly
pressure. Secondary thinning of both lateral and basal edges often
occurs and is by pressure. Initial flaking of point faces is patterned:
transverse flake scars are approximately parallel to one another and at
right angles to the point long-axis. These scars terminate at the point
mid-line; some specimens may have a distinct median ridge on one or both
faces. Horizontal basal thinning, accomplished primarily during initial
flaking may be accompanied by the removal of small flakes vertical to
the point long-axis. Both the lower lateral edges and base are carefully
smoothed.
Milnesand points at the type site were found with the remains of bison,
possibly an extinct form. They occur widely in eastern New Mexico and
western Texas. Others have been found in Nebraska, Iowa, Alberta,
Saskatchewan, and Alaska. Similarities of Milnesand to Plainview points
have been noted by archaeologists, who have suggested the two may be
related and probably were partly contemporaneous. They may be
distinguished from one another by the following attributes: The base on
most Milnesand points is straight, while it is predominantly concave on
Plainviews; thinning of Plainview bases was accomplished primarily by
the removing of a few, fairly large vertical flakes, while Milnesand
bases were thinned primarily by the removal of horizontal flakes, and
only secondarily by the removal of small flakes. Finally, the smoothing
of lower lateral edges on Milnesand points generally extends up further
than on Plainview points, sometimes to a point beyond the mid-section.