Fig. 233. (S. 1–3.) presents three beautiful flint celts from Mr. Braun’s collection. These were originally chipped and afterwards ground and polished. The edges on them are as keen as the polished flint hatchets found in Europe. Such specimens as these, which are often found in the Tennessee graves or in mounds, are not to be classed as mere tools. They are more of the nature of problematical forms in flint which were discussed under “Conclusions as to Chipped Objects” in Chapter XIV. 1733, polished chalcedony; 1735, polished greenstone; 1725, yellow quartzite.
Fig. 234. (S. 2–5.) Two polished celts from the collection of B. H. Young, Louisville, Kentucky. Particular attention is called to the one to the left, which shows that the edge is worked out angularly.
Professor George H. Perkins, of the University of Vermont, furnishes me with some notes on the celts of his region:—
“I do not think that the celts of this region exhibit any peculiar characteristics which distinguish them from those of other localities. We have none as large as have been found elsewhere. Rarely is there one over a foot long, and the majority are not more than five to eight inches in length. Some are very small, not more than two or three inches long. Some of these little celts are finely made, and of various shapes. While most of these implements are at least fairly well made, there are some that are very coarse and clumsy. These are usually made from quartz pebbles.”
Mr. Charles E. Brown writes of the principal classes of Wisconsin celts as follows:—
“Poll rounded, square, or pointed. General shape conical, oval, or square. Roughly made, smooth, or polished. A few of the larger examples have the blade roughened near the poll by pecking; presumably for the better attachment of the handle. These specimens range in weight from a few ounces to ten or more pounds. Thousands have been found in Wisconsin.
“Oblong celts occur especially in the Rock River Valley. There are fine series of these in the Milwaukee Public Museum, in the Logan Museum, and in the State Historical Museum. A few are bell-shaped in outline.
“Handled celts. These have the lower portion or the lower half of the blade slightly elevated over the remainder, thus providing a convenient handle. A few examples of these have been found in Wisconsin.
“Fluted celts. A few examples of celts so ornamented have been found. The finest specimen is in the State Historical Museum. Another is in the Logan Museum, at Beloit. A specimen has been found in Michigan, and one in Canada.