Fig. 692. (S. 1–5.) This figure illustrates three grooved axes in the lower row; an unfinished hematite implement of unknown purpose and a hematite nodule above. Hematite axes are frequently found in Missouri, but seem rare elsewhere in the country. The groove may entirely encircle them, or be faintly indicated on the back. But usually they are grooved entirely around. The one in the lower left-hand corner has a broad, sharp, cutting edge. Naturally, because of its hardness, hematite made excellent axes. They retained their edges longer and more nearly approached the modern iron axe than any other aboriginal tool.
Fig. 693. (S. 1–2.) Hematite objects from the collection of Dr. Henry M. Whelpley, St. Louis, Missouri. Hematite plummet to the left, grooved axe in the centre, a hematite cone to the right, a celt in the lower right-hand corner.
Fig. 694. (S. about 1–3.)
Group of nine grooved hematite axes, from eastern and central Missouri. Collection of F. P. Graves, Doe Run, Missouri.
I have presented a series of figures covering all the known forms of hematites. No classification was attempted by the Nomenclature Committee, and the following is of my own make:—
| Elongated or oval hematites. | Plummet-shaped. (Fig. 700.) |
| Egg-shaped. (Fig. 699.) | |
| Egg-shaped, flattened. (Fig. 697, lower row.) | |
| Cone-shaped. (Fig. 697, upper part.) | |
| Edged hematites. | Celt form, oval. (Fig. 691, specimens 5 and 7.) |
| Celt form, beveled edge. (Fig. 693, lower right.) | |
| Axe form. (Figs. 694, 695.) | |
| Irregular forms. (Fig. 701.) | |
| Paint-stone hematite. (Fig. 690, second from the top.) |
Hematite being valuable, may have served several purposes and doubtless did. The small celts might have been set in the heads of war-clubs and securely gummed in place. I have no particular evidence as to this, but have always believed that some of them were so used. Occasionally, one finds hematite ornaments and hematite bicaves. The information one is able to impart with reference to hematite implements and their use is an illustration of the disadvantages under which we labor in dealing with some of our archæological problems. There are certain phases of prehistoric life with
