Fig. 285. (S. 1–2.) B. H. Young’s collection. To the left is an engraved axe. There is a skull worked in relief on one side of the poll. On the reverse, arm and leg bones seem to be indicated. The other specimen is a fine stone tomahawk. Both of granite; locality, the Cumberland Valley.
It would be possible for one to devote an entire volume to axes, their forms, material of which they are made, and uses. It seems to me that when we scrutinize axes with that detail and care observed by botanists, biologists, and other scientists in their studies of various forms in life, that we shall be able to solve some of the mysteries regarding the purposes of the more highly specialized forms. There is a great deal to be learned, as I have previously remarked, by such study.
Fig. 286. (S. 1–3.) At either side are slate tomahawks from Trigg County, Kentucky; one of which was found in a grave at the mouth of Little River. The central object was found in Wayne County, near the Cumberland River. It is remarkable as having three distinct grooves. It is made of slate and was found in a mound. B. H. Young’s collection.
I do not wish to weary readers with these technical remarks, but in real archæology they are of the greatest importance. It is only by tedious comparisons that we shall arrive at a true understanding of stone-age times. We must cast aside the present, and our mental attitude must be in sympathy with stone-age man. The student who hastily passes over exhibits of axes or celts or flint implements as “more or less alike” will never understand real American archæology, any more than the student in Latin would become proficient were he to conclude that two words were derived from the same root because they happen to look somewhat alike in his text-book.
Fig. 287. (S. 2–5.) Ceremonial axe from northeastern Kentucky. Material: hard reddish-brown sandstone. Length, 10 inches. B. H. Young’s collection.
It must be observed that in many axes the groove appears to be the essential and characteristic thing, whereas it is not. A groove may be made by elevating, or bringing into prominence the ridges. Examine the numerous axes illustrated in this chapter, or inspect the axes in some large museum, as evidence of the statement. The groove, in many, will be found to be no deeper than the surface of the axe, yet because the ridges are worked into high relief, it appears to be deeper than it is.
Fig. 288. (S. about 3–5.) This figure is from “Certain Aboriginal Remains, Black Warrior River, etc.,” and was loaned by Mr. Moore. Length, 11.6 inches. Monolithic hatchet from Moundville, Alabama.