Date: 1200-1700 (Oneota)

 

Description: This is a grooved, stone axhead collected by Homer Anderson near Anthon, IA. It is thought to be from the prehistoric Oneota people, though it could be from the Great Oasis and Mill Creek, as the three cultures were very similar. Stone materials like this belong to the archaeological category lithics, which makes them distinct from pottery sherds and clay materials, called ceramics. Grooved axheads were the natural “next step” in prehistoric technology after celts, their ungrooved predecessors. The large groove down the middle would help the axhead fit into a wooden handle and keep it secured in place. Stone axes had a variety of uses, from chopping wood and food to hunting or war weapons.

 

Donor: Cindy Owen