kids encyclopedia robot

Clovis point facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Clovis Point
A Clovis projectile point made by carefully shaping stone. This one was likely made using a deer antler or wooden hammer.

Clovis points are special spearheads and tools. They were used by an ancient group of people called the Clovis culture. These people lived in North America a very long time ago, about 13,500 years ago!

These unique stone points get their name from Clovis, New Mexico. That's where the first examples were discovered in 1929. Imagine finding something so old!

What are Clovis Points?

Clovis points are known for their distinct shape. They are usually between 4 and 20 centimeters (1.5 to 8 inches) long. They are also about 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) wide. Their sides are often straight or slightly curved.

How Were They Made?

These points were made with great skill. Ancient craftspeople used a method called flaking. This means they carefully chipped away small pieces of stone. They used tools like deer antlers or wooden hammers. This process made the edges very sharp.

What Were They Used For?

The back end of a Clovis point is shaped in a special way. This allowed it to be attached, or hafted, to a wooden spear or a knife handle. This made them powerful tools for hunting large animals. They were also useful for other daily tasks.

Images for kids

kids search engine
Clovis point Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.