fŏlˈsəm, fŭlˈ–, a group of Paleo-Indians (see Americas, antiquity and prehistory of the) known through artifacts first excavated (1926) near Folsom, E of Raton, N.Mex. The artifacts, including chipped flint points known as Folsom points and a variety of other stone tools, were found in association with the remains of large mammals, particularly extinct varieties of bison. The remains have been found to date between 9000 b.c. and 8000 b.c. and to occur throughout the Central Plains of North America from Montana to Texas. Like Clovis points (see Clovis culture), Folsom points show a distinct lengthwise groove (known as fluting) on each face which served to enhance the hafting to spear shafts. Folsom groups were the first known to practice a cooperative type of hunting described as the "surround kill" method, though most hunting seems to have been performed either by lone individuals or small groups.

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