Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2078:
Description
These artifacts represent the rugged utility of the Archaic to Woodland periods, specifically identified as full-grooved mauls or hammer heads. Crafted from dense, pecked, and ground igneous stone (likely granite or diorite), these tools were engineered for heavy-duty tasks like hide preparation, bone crushing, or stake driving. The deep, centered grooves were meticulously pecked into the stone to allow for secure “wraparound” hafting with split-wood handles and wet rawhide, which tightened as it dried. Both specimens exhibit a beautiful, authentic “desert varnish” and localized mineral encrustation (calcium carbonate deposits) consistent with long-term burial in alkaline soil. The stones show expected prehistoric percussion wear on the poles and minor surface pitting but remain excellent, intact examples of lithic craftsmanship. Larger: H 4.5″, W 4.75″, D 4.5″ Smaller: H 2.5″, W 3″, D 2.5″. Please see photos.
Share this lot:
