Cumberland point facts for kids

A Cumberland point is a special type of stone tool used by ancient people in North America. Imagine a sharp, carefully shaped stone attached to a spear! These points were very strong and helped early hunters catch large animals for food and other resources. They were used by groups of people called Paleo-Indians, who lived around 11,000 years ago in what is now the southeastern part of the United States.

What is a Cumberland Point?

A Cumberland point is a type of projectile point. This means it was designed to be thrown or thrust, usually as part of a spear. These points are made from stone, often a type of rock called chert or flint. They are known for their unique shape, which includes a long, narrow body and a special "fluted" base. This flute is a groove or channel removed from the base of the point, which helped it fit securely onto a spear shaft.

How Were Cumberland Points Used?

Cumberland points were primarily used as hunting tools. They were attached to spears, which were then used to hunt large mammals. These ancient hunters were very skilled. They needed strong, reliable tools to take down big animals like mastodons or giant bison, which were much larger than the animals we see today. The sturdy design of the Cumberland point made it perfect for thrusting into these large animals, helping hunters get food, hides, and other materials they needed to survive.

Who Used Cumberland Points?

Cumberland points were used by groups of people known as Paleo-Indians. The term "Paleo-Indian" refers to the earliest people who lived in the Americas. These groups were nomadic, meaning they moved from place to place, following animal herds and searching for food. They lived during the end of the last Ice Age, a time when much of the Earth was covered in ice. The Paleo-Indians who used Cumberland points lived mainly in the Southeastern United States, in areas that are now states like Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama.

When Were Cumberland Points Used?

These points were used around 11,000 years ago. This time period is often called the Paleo-Indian period. It was a time of big changes in the environment as the Ice Age was ending. The climate was warming, and some of the large animals that Paleo-Indians hunted were starting to disappear. The Cumberland point is one of several types of projectile points from this ancient time, each with its own unique features and uses. Studying these tools helps us understand how early humans lived and adapted to their world.