Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1093:
Description
Ancient Grooved Stone Axes/Mauls
These two excellent examples appear to be Archaic or possibly early Woodland period grooved stone tools, likely a form of axe or maul/hammerstone. The material is a dark, fine-grained igneous or metamorphic rock such as basalt, diorite, or possibly a very hard slate, consistent with prehistoric ground stone artifacts intended for heavy use. Both feature the characteristic full or three-quarter groove pecked and ground into the midsection, which was used for hafting a wooden handle. The larger, fatter piece shows a more pronounced, deeper, and smoother groove, indicative of a finer finish or greater wear/polishing from use. The overall style is classic for Native American prehistoric implements used for wood clearing, processing game, or quarrying. Condition for both is good to very good, with expected surface wear, minor pitting, and patina consistent with age and subterranean recovery. Working faces appear intact. The thinner tool measures approximately H 1.25″, W 3″, D 2.25″. The fatter tool measures approximately H 2″, W 3.25″, D 2.5″. From the Native American display in Donley’s Wild West Town.
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