Fig. 575. (S. 1–4.) Copper spuds or axes. Collection of Logan Museum, Beloit, Wisconsin.
Fig. 576. (S. about 1–3.) Collection of S. D. Mitchell, Ripon, Wisconsin.
It is very probable that the native metal first became known to them through the accidental discovery of small nuggets among the debris of the glaciers, and as it quickly came into demand, was traced to its source in the Lake Superior region. These deposits they mined, cutting it into shapes convenient for transportation to their villages, where it was fashioned into articles for their own use, or for the purpose of trade with distant tribes.
Nowhere in this entire valley do copper implements, however, appear to have entirely replaced those of stone, the use of which was continued until quite recent times. The manufacture of copper implements doubtless extended through several centuries. The Siouan Winnebago and Dakota of Wisconsin, being nearest the source of supply, possessed of course the greatest quantity. Even among them the use of copper artifacts did not in prehistoric times equal the use of others. Among the outlying tribes in other states copper implements were yet probably somewhat of a luxury, when the intrusion of the Algonquian tribes into Wisconsin made more and more difficult, and finally altogether shut out access to the Lake Superior mines. It appears certain that the Chippewa after their occupation of the copper region, did do at least a small amount of digging for the metal which for purposes of trade, or for other uses, they found of value. This continued until the arrival of the traders laden with desirable articles caused a suspension of mining operations, and diverted the attention of the Indian from mining to other pursuits....
Fig. 577. (S. 5–11.) Copper awls and chisels. Collection of S. D. Mitchell, Ripon, Wisconsin.
Fig. 578. (S. 1–4.) Copper axes. H. P. Hamilton’s collection, Two Rivers, Wisconsin.