Final answer:
A razor sharp tip used for hunting big game would be referred to as an arrowhead or spear point, such as the renowned Clovis points, or as part of a short-range weapon like a sword or dagger. These hunting tools were essential for survival in ancient societies and were crafted with great skill from various materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
A razor sharp tip used for hunting big game is typically known as an arrowhead or spear point. During different historical periods and across various cultures, these tips have been made using a variety of materials and methods. For example, Clovis points discovered in North America have a distinctive appearance and were highly effective tools for hunting big game, such as mammoths and mastodons, during the Paleoindian period. These points were attached to the ends of spears or arrows and were known for their fluted design which allowed them to be easily secured to a shaft.
Hunting big game was an essential survival activity for many ancient societies, and required specialized weapons. The Hadza men, for instance, used bows and arrows with poison-dipped arrow tips, crafting their deadly tools from natural materials, such as animal ligaments, wood, guinea fowl feathers, and the sap of the desert rose plant. Their hunting techniques evolved to match the diminishing number of large animals in their environment, shifting to quarry such as antelopes, monkeys, and warthogs.
Swords and daggers, like the Tlingit dagger with a sharp pointed blade, were also developed as short-range hunting or combat weapons. The art of metalworking, evident in the creation of such weapons, showcases the level of skill and craftsmanship present in societies long before European contact.