Transverse arrowhead

Neolithic transverse arrowhead, found in Lincolnshire, UK

A transverse arrowhead is a type of trapezoidal or triangular stone projectile point most commonly associated with the European Mesolithic and Neolithic periods although it is also found in other regions and periods.[1]

Unlike a conventional arrowhead which tapers to a point, transverse arrowheads widen to a cutting edge and was hafted onto an arrow shaft at its narrowest point. Other types have parallel sides but in any case transverse arrowheads are always wider than they are long.

Link to a page showing transverse spearheads in use in pre-dynastic Egypt.

References

  1. ^ Avi Gopher (November 1994). Arrowheads of the neolithic Levant: a seriation analysis, p. 41. Eisenbrauns. ISBN 978-0-931464-76-8. Retrieved 25 April 2011.