Handbook of Alabama Archaeology: Part I, Point Types

"Handbook of Alabama Archaeology: Part I, Point Types" by James W. Cambron and David C. Hulse is a scientific publication written in the late 20th century. This handbook serves as a resource for the classification and identification of projectile point types found in Alabama and nearby regions, addressing a significant gap in archaeological knowledge in this area. The work stems from extensive field research and aims to provide a systematic approach to categorizing stone artifacts based on their characteristics and contextual associations. The opening of this handbook introduces the purpose and motivation behind its creation. It discusses the historical challenges in classifying projectile points, detailing how previous taxonomic systems lacked consideration for the cultural contexts of artifacts, often relying solely on visual similarities. The preface highlights the collaborative efforts of the authors, who have amassed a comprehensive collection of artifacts from numerous sites and have worked meticulously to define distinct point types. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of accurate classification for understanding prehistoric cultures and encourages readers to engage with the handbook as a practical tool for both professionals and enthusiasts in archaeology.