Fols

Fols, also known as folsom points, are a type of stone projectile point that originated in North America. They are characterized by a distinctive flute, a long, channel-like flake scar removed from the base of the point, which extends a significant portion of its length. These points are primarily associated with the Folsom culture, a Paleo-Indian tradition that existed roughly between 9,000 and 8,000 BCE in the Great Plains region of North America.

The Folsom culture is renowned for its sophisticated lithic technology, and fols points are a prime example. The fluting process itself was complex, requiring considerable skill to execute without breaking the point. Researchers believe the flute may have served several purposes, possibly to lighten the projectile, to aid in hafting the point to a spear shaft, or as a way to create a more aerodynamic projectile.

Folsom points are typically made from chert or other fine-grained stone and are often finely flaked along the edges. They are found in association with the remains of extinct megafauna, particularly bison. The discovery of fols points alongside these ancient animals provided crucial evidence for the early human occupation of North America and highlighted the advanced hunting strategies of these early peoples. The Folsom site in New Mexico, discovered in 1926, was instrumental in defining this cultural period and understanding the capabilities of Paleo-Indian hunters.