"A Collector's Report on Hernando Arrowhead Typology" 

-for KD 

Suggested Florida Cultural Chain: Culbreath, Citrus Complex (including Hernando), Pinellas, etc. 

I. Definition 

Hernando points were named by Ripley P. Bullen in 1968 for Hernando County, Florida.  They are included in his guide titled, "A Guide to the Identification of Florida Projectile Points."  They are defined as being a fairly thin, well made, small to medium sized, predominantly straight sided, basally notched (U-shaped notches), narrow, isosceles trianguloid point.  While blade edges tend to be straight, they may be slightly excurvate or incurvate.  Occasionaly (10 to 15 per cent) weak serrations are present.  Bullen also describes three subtypes.  In subtype 2, the more common variety, basal notching is evenly done and the basal edge divided into three nearly equal parts by two nearly equal notches.  Subtype 1 is similar except that the basal corners have not been rounded.  Sometimes, as in subtype 3, the central "tang" is small and does not extend downward as far as the basal corners.  It has been reported by Mr. Son Anderson that early examples are made better.  He notes that they are thinner and more definite in outline.  Mr. Anderson also reports that an un-notched form of Hernando usually medium to large in size is occasionally found with notched varieties.  I have observed this un-notched blade form myself which is also notable for being thin.  Additionaly, I have also encountered a thin to very thin, very well made, medium to large size, broad blade "micro" notched variety that is rare. 

Bullen notes that Citrus points are associated with Hernando points and may be the knife form of the same complex.  He also notes that basal notching sets off Hernando from all other Florida points except Citrus. 

II. Range 

Bullen stated that, "Hernando points, while found throughout most of Florida, seem to be concentrated near the Gulf coast north of St. Petersburg. 

III. Time Period 

Bullen stated that, "Hernando points appear to correlate (in time) with Perico Island, Deptford, Swift Creek, Belle Glade IA and St. John's IA Periods."  These are generally considered to be Early Woodland cultures.  The Early Woodland cultural time period is generally believed to have manifested itself in Florida no earlier then 2,500 years ago.  This means that the human beings who made Hernando points also made some of North America's first pottery. 

IV. Concluding Thought 

Please, note that it seems that there exists significant bias in the grading of Hernando points created by a need for symmetry among collectors.  As previously written in this report Bullen names three subtypes.  Subtype 1 points are generally considered to be the most desirable and are rare.  They are as a rule made better, thinner, more definite in outline and symmetrical.  They also may command a significant premium over the other subtypes.  This means that an objective grader cannot use the same criteria in grading a subtype 3 as a subtype 1.  A preconceived notion exists that if the base of a particular point is not the same length as or at a right angle to it's barbs that it is not intact but broken.  Dr. Ripley Bullen stated that, "Projectile points were made by human hands, not machines, and there is always the problem of intermediate types."  Obviously, Hernando points were made by human hands.  Due to the difficulty in notching such a small fine point type a significant amount of variability is observed within the depth of notches the length of resultant barbs and the shape of newly created bases.  The primary factors seemingly producing this variability being the skill of the tool maker (knapper) and the hardness of the stone being flaked.  This may lead one to believe that an asymmetric base is in of itself not proof positive of a broken or spent point but oftentimes merely a result of maufacturing technique. 

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Thank you and

"Enjoy collecting, floridagempoints!"