need some help on a ax head

[musky44]

found my first true ax head. was wondering if u guys could help me out on what type it is. it has no grooves at all on either side, just notches on the top and bottom. ive seen plenty of pictures and held other ax heads but nothing like this one. was wondering if u guys may have something like it or may know more about it. if so would love to hear your opinions. it measures 8 " by 4 1/2". its made of chert and polished pretty well out by the bit, sorta rough the rest of the way back towards the backend.it seems a lot thinner than others ive seen, probably only 1" at its thickest point. also found the small point in the same area.

 

[SCrocks]

May be a spade / hoe - Great find either way

 

[musky44]

that also crossed my mind. I forgot to mention it in my post. makes good sense to , the bit is not sharp at all,kinda rounded off. thanks

 

[GatorBoy]

I agree it does look like a hoe ..and with all that Polish from use and its form it's a great find for sure.

 

[wvwildman]

nice finds congrats HH

 

[GaRebel1861]

That's a nice find and a keeper!

 

[rock]

Yes its a notched hoe and its a nice one. I found 1 this yr also but mine is thicker.

 

[NC field hunter]

Spades or hoes normally show more polish on one side of the bit, and more specifically, one edge. The polish on this piece looks more like a polish from resharpening, rather than a polish from use. That's my opinion. Also, I can't figure out why such a large poll end would have been necessary on a regular agricultural tool. I have seen similar finds to this one. Personally, I can't help but wander if this is a transitional piece. We have seen the full groove evolve in to the 3/4, from there we go to the 1/2 groove. That is what this looks like to me. It has a large poll as axe heads do. However, the groove has faded from a 1/2 to a notch. The lithic on the other hand is one that is commonly seen on hoes. Nice find, no doubt!!

 

[rock]

I wouldnt be shocked if the Hoe and Ax wasnt used as both if the situation and task at hand was needed to be done.

 

[GatorBoy]

Imagine hafting for a moment.
How do you think those notches would work if it was sideways in a handle VS being strapped on top of a handle perpendicular to it.
Can we see a photo looking directly at the bit to show if it is centered VS Bevelled toward one side?

 

[The Grim Reaper]

I would say it's a Hoe. The amount of polish and the dull looking Bit end are indicative of that kind of Tool. I have quite a few Hoes and all of the heavily used ones have Bits exactly like that one.

 

[NC field hunter]

Yes its a notched hoe and its a nice one. I found 1 this yr also but mine is thicker.

I am not sure if I saw yours Rock. Can you repost it?

 

[GatorBoy]

I am not sure if I saw yours Rock. Can you repost it?

Ditto

 

[musky44]

the bit is centered up pretty well. hopefully these pics will help. thanks

 

[urbantreasure]

Well all I can say is Wow and I am so jealous!

 

[rock]

Ok here is mine. it has 2 notches at the top but not as deep as the other one shown. I guess you could also say mine might be a Hand Ax

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Here's one I found last year and you can how polished the Bit is on it from extensive use.

 

[NC field hunter]

Here's one I found last year and you can how polished the Bit is on it from extensive use.

Reaper, I can't help but wander with all the years of hunting under your belt, do you still keep all of the hoes and tools you find? Of course one like you posted is a keeper, but the cruder ones, I'd guess you have to cull out. That's my situation now. I can pretty well determine what pieces were used. However, I have a hard time making cuts. No way I can keep all of my finds. What specifics characteristics should I look for in determining a keeper from a toss out? I'm serious as I can be in asking this. Here are a couple spades I have found.







































Which, if any of these would you keep? Thanks for any advice!

 

[The Grim Reaper]

I bring them all home. The better ones go on display in my case and the crude or broken ones either go in my rock garden, around the fish pond, or in my wifes flowere beds as decor.

 

[rock]

@NC, Id keep all except pic 1 and 4. and in the bottom right of 4 that has the notches all the rest in the flowerbed.