Agate Basin points were first recognized at a bison kill site between
Newcastle and Lusk in eastern Wyoming. The bison were probably of a
recent type, but this is not certain.
Agate Basin points are slender lanceolate in shape. Both the upper and
lower lateral edges are gently rounded. Lower lateral edges on some,
however, may be nearly straight and contracting slightly to the base.
They are usually broadest above mid-section. The base is either straight
or rounded, although on some specimens it may be bluntly pointed. Length
varies from 6.0 to 15.0 cm., width from 2.0 to about 3.0 cm. Workmanship
is quite fine. Initial shaping was by direct or indirect percussion.
Flake scars are consistently sub-parallel and at right angles to the
point long-axis. Thinning of lateral edges was by pressure retouch.
Lower lateral edges are smoothed, the base rarely so. Basal thinning was
achieved during initial retouch and is at right angles to the point
long-axis.
Although the age range of Agate Basin points is uncertain, it is
probable that they belong to a later stage of the Early Man point
sequence.