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BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY 



[Bull. 182 



ping or pecking, or by abrasion tlirougli constant use. Overall length 

 varies from 10 cm. to 21 cm. None of these tools show that they were 

 ever hafted. Probably all were held in the hand and used as the 

 owner squatted upon liis heels. 



Representative specimens of planoconvex adzes (pi. 74, a-c) vary 

 in overall length from 10.5 cm. to 17.5 cm. Weights vary from 5 

 ounces to 1 pound 4 ounces. Adzes were shaped from argillite nodules 

 by pounding and pecking; some received a subsequent polishing. 

 These vary from an ellipsoidal to a rectanguloidal shape tapering uni- 

 formly from the top to the cutting or working edge. Adzes are al- 

 ways formed so that one surface, known as the back of the adz, is flat. 

 The opposing surface forms a gentle arc of convex appearance and is 

 known as the belly of the tool. In most instances a wooden handle 

 abuts the back of the blade and is attached by means of thongs. 

 Hafts were usually fashioned from a carefully choosen crotched limb. 

 This section was carefully altered so that when properly attached it 

 formed either a right angle or an acute angle to the blade, depending 

 upon the wishes of the user (fig. 47) . 



It is conceivable that an antler f oreshaf t was used. 



Tlie smallest adz head in the collection has cutting edges at both 

 ends. The broader edge has been either worn down or made so that 

 the left side is a trifle shorter than the right side, forming a 10-degree 

 angle. This tool was probably made and used by some right-handed 

 artisan, since this angle would facilitate its use. The opposite, or 

 smaller, cutting surface forms a rounded bevel which would give a 

 well-defiiied groove when properly used. Since this adz head weighs 

 only 5 ounces it was probably used as a fuiishing tool rather than one 

 to rough out the outline of a particular object. 



Figure 47.— Hafted double-bitted adz, Clarksville, site 44Mcl4. 



