The raw material — obsidian from a Pacific Northwest source — is consistent with the broader pattern of obsidian use in Western Stemmed Tradition assemblages.

Obsidian, because of its conchoidal fracture properties, is an exceptionally fine-grained material for knapping, producing very sharp edges.

Where obsidian was available, it was often preferred for projectile points and cutting tools.

The fact that it was transported over distances — whether by the people who used it or through exchange networks — indicates that the quality of the raw material was considered worth the effort of obtaining it.

What The Needle Tells Us About Paleindian Life