265 



ox THE 



STONE IMPLEMENTS 



OF THE 



INDIANS OF NORTH AMERICx^, 



WITH A 



Classification and description of the methods of making tlem. 



BY FRANKLIN PEALE. 

 READ JUNE 2 1, 186 1. 



The implements of stone used by the inhabitants of this continent 

 previous to the advent of the European colonists, seem to be divided 

 naturally into four branches or compartments. 



In the first are those implements which were used for the prepa- 

 ration of food, and consist of pestles, mortars, and mill or grinding 

 stones. 



The second embraces hammers, axes, adzes, and tomahawks, used 

 for breaking flints, &c., cutting timber, dressing skins, and all the 

 various uses which their manner of living required. It also embraces 

 the sharp flakes used as knives for skinning, scalping, and cutting 

 generally. 



The third division comprises the spear and arrow-heads, used in 

 war, and for the chase ; and, lastly. 



The fourth, which includes articles of ornament, personal decora- 

 tion and luxury ! 



In the pursuit of this subject we are left almost entirely to our 

 own conclusions in regard to the method of construction, from ob- 

 served indications on the articles themselves, but not entirely so ; 

 many tribes still remain upon the borders of civilization, and others 

 have so recently given way to the advances of the civilized race, that 

 some of these processes or arts have been witnessed by travellers, and 

 their observations recorded for our information and instruction. 

 Wherever these observations occur, they are very satisfactory in con- 

 firming what would otherwise be conjecture alone, sustained more or 

 less substantially by the indications which the works themselves pre- 

 sent to the eye. 



The conchoidal fracture of silicious minerals in recognized forms, 

 are sure indications of the work of man's hands. This most impor- 

 tant fact is particularly so in this day of research, when such works 



VOL. VIII. — 2k 



