Northeastern Hardstone: Adz

[Charl]

The Northeast is especially well known for hardstone woodworking tools, such as the related tool forms, the adz and the gouge. Pictured here are a full groove adz, a full 11 1/4" long, and a double grooved adz. Both are made of basalt and both were found(not by me) in East Providence, Rhode Island.

 

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[digordie]

Those are sweet finds. Ive often wondered if these tools started out as corn grinding tools then later were fashoined into axes and such? Anyone else have thoughts along theses lines?

 

[Charl]

Those are sweet finds. Ive often wondered if these tools started out as corn grinding tools then later were fashoined into axes and such? Anyone else have thoughts along theses lines?

The adz and the gouge were critical tools in the Northeast, esp. for the creation of dugout vessels. As such, most were made from scratch and not salvaged from pestles. In addition, most pestles here are made of sandstone, pretty unsuitable for these types of tools. But, anything can happen, and what you're suggesting probably happened once in awhile.

 

[Charl]

Two more adz from Rhode Island. The black one is a beveled adz.

 

[Pancake]

When I was a kid my dad built a new barn/shop out back of the house here in Mass. He had to level the ground a bit and ding down a little to pour the slab floor. This one was found in the resulting dirt pile. Is it more of an axe than an Adz?

 

[Charl]

Pancake, my first thought was adz. The second photo shows that side worn more, flattened out as an adz would be. But, the best way to know is to look at the bit straight on, a shot that you didn't include. If the bit has a straight edge, it's an axe. If the bit has a slight to moderate curve as you look at it straight on, it's likely an adz. Here are some shots of the leading edge or bit on the beveled adz shown above. Note it has a gently curving leading edge. Axes and celts will show a straight edge. That's a beautiful tool your dad found!!

 

[Pancake]

Thanks Charl. It is clearly curved so it's an adz. It is a pretty great find. A friend of mine found a similar, slightly broken one about 4 years ago when we had dug a trench to fix the line coming from my moms well. About 150 feet from where this one was found.

I have a pit of rocks and stones on my property. It's about 15' wide and I have no idea how far it goes down but at least 5 feet. All rocks form 1" to about 8" long. Everything bigger would have been used in building the endless stone walls around here. It's somewhat odd and has been there since anyone can remember. I assume some long ago farmer was dumping his field rocks there but can't be sure. I think it might be worth digging it a bit and seeing if there is anything there.

 

[Charl]

Yep, that's an adz, sweet find. People have found tools in stone walls before, so who knows, you might find something where that many rocks were dumped.....

 

[rock]

Charl seeing it looks like you are a expert in the area I have something for you to look at. It came out of Tn and some call it a Hoe and some an Adz if you dont mind I will show it and you tell me what you think on it. its 5.25 L and 2.25 W. Here it is and welcome to Tnet. Thanks, rock

 

[Tnmountains]

Chari Keep showing your tools. Impressive collection and good information. The bit on that one is perfect.

 

[Charl]

Charl seeing it looks like you are a expert in the area I have something for you to look at. It came out of Tn and some call it a Hoe and some an Adz if you dont mind I will show it and you tell me what you think on it. its 5.25 L and 2.25 W. Here it is and welcome to Tnet. Thanks, rock

rock, I've always seen those called hoes. Really don't find them in my region. There are also chipped adz, but they're not common here either. The bit on your tool reminds me of adz, but, when I think of it, the wear might be similar, as they are wielded in a similar way. At any rate, I'm familiar with ground stone stuff, though no expert by any stretch, and I'm not familiar with chipped adx or chipped hoe. Nice artifact!

 

[rock]

Well it was worth a try. It was bought in a large lot of 63 artifacts and it was the only one made of that material and style. Thanks, rock

 

[Charl]

Chari Keep showing your tools. Impressive collection and good information. The bit on that one is perfect.

Thanks, Tnmountains. I've been busy with the camera lately and taking photos of all kinds of rocks. LOL. I posted some gouges in a seperate thread and will post other tools when I get a chance.

 

[Charl]

This adz is made of argillite, a soft stone. It's a grooved humpback adz and is somewhat unique in showing bone tool sharpening grooves as well, hence it's a multipurpose tool. Found in East Providence, RI.