Genesee

[CMD]

Genesee is a Transitional Archaic style that is generally large, with straight sides and a broad, square stem. Here is the description from William Ritchie's New York typology:
http://collections.nysm.nysed.gov/pr...s/genesee.html
The example seen here is from the collection of Matt Dorso. Photos by Matt Dorso. Found in the town of Shelton, Fairfield Co., Ct.

[Hoss]

I wrote some additional notes about this type. Based on observations of several specimens in my personal collection.

Proportions: Typically about 2 to 2 1/2 times as long as wide.

Shape: Trianguloid in outline with markedly biconvex cross-sections. Straight or slightly excurvate edges, rectangular or parallel-sided stem, weakly to moderately developed shoulders, and a straight base. Around 40% show slight grinding at the base and stem sides.

Age and Cultural Affiliations:

Belong to the Middle to Late Archaic period, associated with the Laurentian and Frontenac manifestations.

Found among grave goods at Frontenac Island, with radiocarbon dates ranging from 2980 B.C. to 1723 B.C.

Distribution:

Predominantly found in Central and Western New York, particularly concentrated in the Genesee Valley, and extending to the Grand River Valley of Ontario. Lesser occurrences in Eastern New York and Southern New England.

Material and Manufacturing Techniques:

Majority made from mottled gray and brown flint sourced from the Onondaga escarpment in Western New York and adjacent Ontario. Others crafted from the more uniform gray Onondaga chert of Central New York.

Broad, shallow chipping scars indicate a percussion technique for manufacture, with evidence of marginal retouching, likely indicating pressure work.

Probable Use:

These points are believed to have been used as dart or spear points, larger specimens we used as knives.

References for further study are available in works by Ritchie from 1940 and 1945, where they are referred to as "stemmed" and "broad stemmed" points, respectively.

The Genesee points hold archaeological significance as they offer insights into the technology, material sourcing, and cultural practices of the ancient populations in the mentioned regions during the Middle to Late Archaic period. This pictured specimen was found in Shelton Connecticut. Dorso Collection.

Refrences:
Typology and Nomenclature for New York Projectile Points (1961, revised 1971)

A Projectile Point Typology for Pennsylvania and the Northeastby Gary L. Fogelman | Jan 1, 1988

A New England Typology of Native American Projectile Points 2016 Jeff Boudreau