Pinto Series
Pinto type points are large
triangular forms, often relatively crude, with straight to convex blade margins
and straight to expanding stems with marked basal notches producing an eared or
flared appearance. Holmer (1986:97) refers to these points as "large bifurcate-stemmed
points," and notes that various labels have been given to this corner-removed
type which corresponds to the traditional Pinto Series (cf. Amsden 1935; Harrington
1957). There is considerable formal variation and a wide range in radiocarbon
dates from c. 8000-2000 B.P. Confusion over type definition, assignment, and datable
context has led researchers like Warren (1980) to refer to the "Pinto Problem."
Harrington (1957), based on a large assemblage from the Stahl site, defined five
varieties: shoulderless, sloping shoulder, square shoulder, barbed shoulder, and
one-shoulder. Lanning (1963) referred to Pinto forms as the "Little Lake series."
O'Connell (1971) defined a "Bare Creek series" with sloping shoulder, square shoulder
and barbed varieties. Thomas (1981:37-38) assigned earlier "true Pinto" points
to the already defined Pinto Series, and classified morphologically similar but
later points to the Gatecliff Split Stem series. Holmer (1986:97) used discriminant
analysis to statistically separate these earlier and later variants, and concluded
that the deciding difference is the basal treatment of the stem or hafting element:
Pinto points have shallow central basal notches and rounded lateral margins or
ears with expanding stems, and Gatecliff Split Stem points have deeper and wider
central basal notches with more pointed lateral margins or ears and relatively
straight stems. Pinto points have been recovered at Danger Cave, Hogup Cave, and
Sudden Shelter, in strata dated before c. 6000 B.P.
Type Site: Pinto Basin
site (Amsden 1935); Gypsum Cave (Harrington 1933).
Temporal Distribution:
8000-2000 B. P.'. Early to Middle Archaic.
