Tomahawk, avant 1870
Description
wood, brown/reddish brown patina, iron, handle with metal applications, axe blade with sickle-shaped brass emblem, projection in shape of a pipe’s head on the backside, the hollowed handle could be used as a pipe, min. dam., small missing parts, slight traces of corrosion and abrasion.
Before Europeans came to the continent, Native Americans would use stones attached to wooden handles, secured with strips of rawhide. Though typically used as weapons, they could also be used for everyday tasks, such as chopping, cutting or hunting.
When Europeans arrived, they introduced the metal blade to the natives, which improved the effectiveness of the tool. Metal did not break as readily as stone and could be fashioned for additional uses. Native Americans created a “tomahawk’s” poll, the side opposite the blade, which consisted of a hammer, spike or a pipe.