SIZE: It should be understood that the Vanport points are often extensively re-worked. With this in mind, their maximum length, width, thickness and hafting width ranges are 60-85 mm., 33-49 mm., 5-8 mm and 17-28 mm., respectively.

SHAPE: Vanport points are identical in form to the Manker stemmed and corner-notched bifaces described by Montet-White (1968). Manker bifaces are produced from ovate preforms; however, the terms ovate-acuminate and trianguloid could be applied with equal accuracy. Initial lateral and basal edge configurations are probably slightly convex, while cross-sections are lenticular.

FLAKING: Original production flake scars on Vanport point preforms are broad and flat. Usually, the flakes feathered out to produce a relatively smooth, flat surface.

RAW MATERIAL: All Vanport points are manufactured from “Flint Ridge chalcedony” usually, of the cream to slightly bluish colour variant.

DISTRIBUTION: These points occur regularly throughout the Thames and north Erie shore/Niagara Peninsula drainages, but become more sporadic in their distribution as one proceeds north alone the Lake Huron shore – one was recovered from the Thede site (Finlayson, 1977).

AGE AND CULTURAL AFFILIATIONS: Vanport points are morphologically related to the Bayport and Dongola chert Norton corner-notched points described by Griffin and Flanders (1970) recovered from Mounds C and H. Three radio-carbon dates for the mounds suggest a date of A.D./B.C. to 200 A.D. for Vanport points, which is consistent with Montet-White’s age assessment (1968). These points were probably manufactured by Hopewellian peoples in Ohio and imported by local Middle Woodland groups in South-western Ontario.

REMARKS: Vanport points probably functioned as knives, rather than projectile points, but the requisite wear analyses needed to determine function have not been undertaken. These large, attractive bifaces obviously were valued by the local Native groups who imported them and consequently, they often exhibit extensive re-sharpening/reworking affecting their blade form. It is not unusual for specimens to display steeply retouched concave lateral edges.

REFERENCE: Fox, W.A. – 1980 Vanport Points. KEWA 80-1. ( Text of Original Publication )