Lot 279
**Originally Listed At $150**
Native American, Eastern Woodlands, Archaic to Woodland period, ca. 3000 BCE to 1000 CE. A powerful expression of utility shaped in stone, this Native American Eastern Woodlands groove adze head embodies the ingenuity and endurance of early woodworking traditions. Carved from dense, dark stone with a smooth, timeworn surface, the tool presents a robust, elongated form that tapers subtly toward its working edge. The body is carefully shaped and ground, with a pronounced groove encircling the midsection. This groove would have secured binding material, allowing the adze head to be hafted firmly to a wooden handle. The blade edge, now softened through age and use, retains the broad, slightly curved profile characteristic of adze forms designed for chopping and shaping timber. Unlike axes, which are aligned with the handle, adzes are mounted perpendicular to it, making them ideal for hollowing logs, shaping dugout canoes, and smoothing wooden surfaces. Size: 6.8" L x 1.5" W x 2.2" H (17.3 cm x 3.8 cm x 5.6 cm)
In the forested landscapes of the Eastern Woodlands, such tools were indispensable for constructing dwellings, crafting implements, and shaping the material culture of daily life. The balanced proportions and careful grinding of this example reflect a deep knowledge of stone selection and shaping techniques. Its surfaces show the cumulative wear of handling and labor, while the groove remains clearly defined, a testament to its functional design. More than a tool, this adze head stands as evidence of technological adaptation in a region where wood was central to survival and expression. Solid, practical, and enduring, it represents the skill and resilience of Native American communities across the Eastern Woodlands.
Provenance: private Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA collection
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#199621
- Condition: Weathering to surface with nicks, chips, and abrasions as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and very nice. Old collection labels on one side with number and note reading "From Bill Hunter."
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |