Rio Grande points were first defined in 1942 on the basis of surface
collections of lithic artifacts from the Upper Rio Grande Valley.
[Illustration: _Rio Grande_]
Rio Grande points are basically lanceolate in shape. Upper lateral edges
are straight to gently rounded. They are broadest slightly above
mid-section. Lower lateral edges are set off from the upper portion of
the point body by very small shoulders, so that this point must be
considered stemmed. Stem edges are consistently straight and taper
slightly to the base. The base is usually straight, less often it is
slightly rounded or shallowly concave. Average dimensions are: length
6.0 cm., shoulder width 2.8 cm., base width 1.8 cm. Some larger
specimens are known. Manufacture is by direct percussion. Initial flake
scars on point faces are irregular. Basal thinning was accomplished in
the main by multi-directional flaking. Stem edges may show secondary
percussion or pressure retouch. Stem edges are well smoothed; the base
may be slightly smoothed or not at all.
The age of Rio Grande points has not been definitely established nor
have associations with other early point types been ascertained. They
appear to be related to the Hell Gap and Lake Mohave types.