98 STONE IMPLEMENTS (kihannis 



A series of furiiis illustrating the dcvelopnieiit of a grooved ax is 

 sLown in plate LVii. These specimens were obtained Irom village- 

 sites ill tlie iieigliborliood of the head of tidewater on the Potomac. 

 On account of tlie length <if the series I have omitted the bowhler 

 which wouhl naturally precede the artilicially shaped series. The first 

 figure represents an early stage in the work of shaping. The si<le 

 shown has been Uaked into shape save at the top where a portion of 

 the 1)owldcr surface is still seen. The work of pecking away the 

 irregularities has extended over most of the surface, and the deeper 

 conchoids at the edges, and one or two some distance from the margin, 

 are still visible. The opposite side is less fully worked, tll(^ original 

 surface of the bowlder being less than half removed. The groove has 

 not been commenced save perhaps as indicated by a very faint depres- 

 sion at the left. In this rudimentary state it is difficailt to determine, 

 save by the general outline, whether a celt or a grooved ax was to be 

 made. 



In the second exami)le the bowlder chosen was originally much nearer 

 the general outline desired than in the first case. Little flaking had to 

 be done. The groove is already well under way, although fully one-half 

 of the original surface remains untouched either by the flaking or by the 

 pecking hammer. 



In a third specimen, omitted from the series to reduce its length, the 

 battering operations are well advanced, small portions of the original 

 surface only remaining. There is a freshness and crudeuess about the 

 work, indicating that the specimen, if regarded as complete, had not 

 yet been devoted to use. 



The next example (the third illustrated) bears evidence of use, and 

 was probably finished, though the edge has been broken by accident or 

 Uaked for remodeling. It is somewhat crude in surface, and retains 

 small patches of the original bowlder surface. 



The fourth specimen figured is apparently a finished implement, 

 though bits of the bowlder surface still appear. The battered surface 

 has been considerably rubbed down and the edge has been ground. 



The last specimen of the series is a highly elaborated and well-finished 

 specimen, purely artificial in every part. The battered surface is entirely 

 removed by abrading operations, and the blade and the groove are well 

 jjolished — first by the finisher and second, no doubt, by use. A final 

 specimen, originally in the series, but omitted for want of space, shows 

 much evidence of use and repeated sharpening of the edge. The blade 

 is shortened and blunted, and the poll is well worn. In size the axes of 

 this region vary from less than 2 inches in width by 3 in length to or 

 7 inches in width by 12 in length. Their shapes are probably less 

 varied than those of many other regions, yet the extremes of shape 

 are very wide apart. The series of outlines presented in plate LViii 

 will serve to convey an idea of the range of form. 



A broad distinction in shape is based on the manner of hafting. 

 In one group the groove extends entirely around the implement, while 



