Solutrean point found in Virginia suggests European connection. A projectile point was found off the coast of Virginia by a scallop trawler in 1970, identified in 2004 Dennis Stanford (Smithsonian) and Bruce Bradley (University of Exeter) claimed it was a Solutrean point They argued Clovis technology derived from Solutrean technology via overshot flaking technique
A projectile point dredged up off Virginia's coast in 1970 was identified in 2004 as Solutrean. Stanford & Bradley argue Clovis tech came from Solutreans via overshot flaking. Mainstream archaeologists broadly reject the Solutrean hypothesis, citing genetic evidence showing Native Americans descended from Asian ancestors, not Europeans.
Key Facts
- A projectile point was found off the coast of Virginia by a scallop trawler in 1970, identified in 2004
- Dennis Stanford (Smithsonian) and Bruce Bradley (University of Exeter) claimed it was a Solutrean point
- They argued Clovis technology derived from Solutrean technology via overshot flaking technique
- Both Clovis and Solutrian used lithic reduction percussion and overshot flaking to create wide flat blades
- Both cultures used rare bone rod projectile points not common in other cultures
- Mainstream archaeologists suggest this may be convergent evolution rather than direct connection
Source: Who Were the First Americans & Where Did They Come From? by DeDunking