Projectile point · Paleoindian
Debert
10600–10000 BCE, Clovis
Debert takes its name from the Debert site near Truro, Nova Scotia, excavated by MacDonald in the 1960s, and the same form dominates the Vail site in Maine. It is the northeastern fluted tradition that followed Clovis into the deglaciated Maritime Peninsula. Munsungun chert from Maine and local cherts and chalcedonies are typical. Very few examples are in private hands, since the classic sites are protected.
| Object | Projectile point |
|---|---|
| Dates | 10600–10000 BCE |
| Period | Paleoindian |
| Cultures | Clovis |
| Regions | North America — Eastern Woodlands |
Diagnostic traits
Fluted lanceolate with an unusually deep basal concavity, often 10 mm or more, long pointed ears, multiple flutes, slightly convex edges and heavy grinding of the ears and lower edges.
Identification
No other fluted point has so deep a basal notch; Clovis and Gainey concavities are shallow by comparison. Bull Brook points from Massachusetts are closely related but with shallower bases. Cumberland is narrower and waisted.
Reproductions and fakes
Reproductions are uncommon but exist on Munsungun-like red and green cherts; genuine points show ear grinding and a dull surface. Any Debert offered with a Nova Scotia site attribution should be treated with suspicion given the protected status of those sites.
Elsewhere
Cite this article
Stratum Study. "Debert" (Artifact type). Stratum Study pack 2026.09, as of 2026-09-21. https://stratum.black/study/types/debert. Accessed 2026-09-21.
@misc{stratum-debert,
title = {Debert},
author = {{Stratum Study}},
howpublished = {\url{https://stratum.black/study/types/debert}},
year = {2026},
note = {Artifact type article, Stratum Study pack 2026.09, as of 2026-09-21; sources: stratum, wikidata. Accessed 2026-09-21.}
} Citations carry the pack version and the article's as-of date so they resolve to the same text later. The facts themselves belong to the sources listed below; cite those for the science.