Original Shoshone Indian Pipe Axe Tomahawk Forged Head Ash Haft Date to 1860 - $1,240 - (Lexington, KY)

The word “tomahawk,” sometimes simply called a “hawk,” was introduced into the English language during the 17th century. It is derived from the Powhatan Algonquian word “tamahaac,” which, in turn, comes from the Proto-Algonquian root “temah,” meaning “to cut off by tool,” or by an axe.--------The first contact with white traders brought natives the iron axe (called “hatchet,” “hachotz” or “hatchette” by the early Eastern explorers) and especially tomahawks with their hammer, spike or bowl on the poll end opposite the blade and its hollowed opening in the head for the shaft.  A serviceable tool for daily chores, as well as for throwing, hand-to-hand combat or smoking, these combination tool-weapons immediately became one of the most highly prized items of barter with Indians out West.--------While the first iron hatchets and tomahawks in America came from British and French sources in the northwestern territories and the Spaniards and French in the south and southwestern regions of the frontier, the first American tomahawks probably appeared in the Far West during Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s 1804-1806 expedition. Nevertheless, by the early to mid-19th century, the iron tomahawk had become a standard trade item and fighting implement of frontier Indians.--------The tomahawk is in excellent condition with no repairs or damage. Nice head forged from iron, most likely by a blacksmith on the frontier, then traded to the Shoshone, who in turn placed an ash haft into the eye and adorned it as seen. The head is a spontoon style fashioned after the Spanish weapons desired by the Native Americans. Ash haft is original to the head. The brass tacks are original old tacks. All along the haft are many ceremonial file branding marks made by placing a file or rasp in the fire until it was bright red and then burning the file into the haft. This was done for aesthetic "looks" and ceremonial purposes. The haft is oblong, not the usual dia…

Posted in Lexington, KY, Antiques
From ebay.com - 1 month ago