Paleo-Indians and Fluted Points: Subarctic Alternatives

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Abstract
For more than three decades a postulated northern (Alaskan) origin for Paleo-Indians bearing fluted projectile points has been based on sparse fluted point occurrences in the north and expectations engendered by the hypothesis of migration from northeastern Siberia. To reaffirm the northern hypothesis this article models northern data that have become available during the past 15 years. Major elements of this model are (a) that tentative dating indicates that some northern fluted points are only a few hundred years younger than the oldest of their southern equivalent (Clovis points), (b) that with future discoveries this preliminary dating of fluted points in the north will be extended to encompass a broader time range, and (c) when that occurs the earliest northern fluted points will be found to be older than southern fluted points, which (d) would indicate spread from north to south. We profess that there is sufficient uncertainty regarding southern origin as being the ultimate and immutable source of fluted points that alternatives merit continued consideration. Thus, it is feasible at this time to set forth specific conditions to be met in order to validate the subarctic alternative. A corollary of the northern development hypothesis is that Paleo-Indians were present in the northwestern corner of North America preceding the arrival there of an Asian-derived microblade industry about 11,000 years ago.