Barbed and Tanged Arrowhead

Barbed and tanged arrowhead dating from the Early Bronze Age (2500 to 1200 BC), found in Northamptonshire.

Barbed and tanged arrowheads required highly skilled flint-knapping techniques. They were designed so that once the point had pierced the flesh, the barbs prevented the arrowhead from falling out. If the arrow did not succeed in killing an animal outright, then it might die from the loss of blood. The tang was used to secure the arrowhead onto a slot on the wooden shaft.