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.