118 FOSSIL MEN. 



the socket for tlie handle of so small diameter, that 

 antiquaries are disposed to regard them as ornaments, 

 or " batons of command/' or sceptres, rather than as 

 weapons. And this impression is strengthened by the 

 fact that they are sometimes made of comparatively 

 soft stone. In most cases, however, they were prob- 

 ably made for actual use in striking men or animals, 

 except where they were intended as mere models of 

 weapons to be buried with the dead or offered in 



Fig. 24. 



sacrifice. The theory of the implement is that it 

 enables the blow of the arm to be delivered on a 

 limited spot, so as to pierce or fracture the skull of an 

 enemy or a wild animal. For this purpose the wea- 

 pon does not need to be large or heavy. On the con- 

 trary, lightness is necessary to portability, and to that 

 rapidity of stroke which is everything in combat and 

 in hunting. Hence many of the American pogamau- 

 gans and tomahawks are so small and light as not to 

 appear at all formidable ; but, guided by a quick eye 



