Native American Grooved Axe

Description

Artifact Identification

• Type: Full-Grooved or 3/4 Grooved Axe.

• Material: Hardstone (likely basalt, greenstone, or a dense river cobble common to the Mississippi River Valley).

• Method of Manufacture: This was made using a “peck and grind” technique. The maker would use a harder hammerstone to peck away at the surface to create the groove and shape, then grind it smooth with sand and water.

• Function: This would have been “hafted” (attached) to a wooden handle using rawhide or split wood that wrapped around the groove. It was used for heavy woodworking, such as felling trees or hollowing out dugout canoes.