IMPLEMENTS OF METAL 



199 



connection with human remains, in the position in which they were deposited with 

 the dead. We have no evidence that the northern tribes of Indians possessed copper 

 articles of this description, and but slender evidence at best that they were in use 

 among the Indians along the Gulf.* A positive argument in favor of the origin 

 imputed to them, is presented in the fact that many of the articles found both 

 in the sepulchral and sacrificial mounds are of copper, and of similar workmanship, 

 denoting that the mound-builders possessed the metal in considerable abundance, 

 and were very well acquainted with its capabilities. That they have an antiquity 

 higher than the date of the first European intercourse, is established by their form ; 

 but if this were insufficient, the evidence may be found in the fact that from imme- 

 diately over them was removed the stump of a tree, originally of the largest size, 

 which had long since fallen and decayed. 



This implement (Fig. 84) was found 

 a mound near one of the great works 

 on Paint creek. It resembles a double- 

 bladed hatchet, and Mas perhaps used as such. It 

 measures six inches in length, and is three inches 

 broad at each end ; across the middle it measures 

 but two and a half inches. It weighs about one 

 p ound and a half. The hole through the centre may 

 have been designed for the insertion of a rivet, so as 

 to fasten it firmly in a handle, as represented in the 

 reduced sketch, number 2. 



* It is asserted by the Portuguese chronicler of De Soto's ill-fated expedition, that copper hatchets 

 were found in possession of some of the Indian tribes along the Gulf, " which were said to have a mix- 

 ture of gold." These, the Spaniards were told, were obtained in a province towards the north, called 

 Chisca, " where there was a melting of copper, and of another metal of the same color, save tliat it was 

 finer and far better to the sight, which they used not so much, because it was softer." The Spaniards did 

 not visit the pro\-ince of Chisca ; as they were informed high mountains intervened, which could not be 

 passed with horses. This, it is believed, is the only account of anything of the kind occurring north of 

 Mexico. 



