72 



THE SMALL AXES 



To the small, triangular " axes/' (figs. 79-81) which are 

 very characteristic of the Kjokkenmoddings, as well as of the 

 Coastfinds, I have applied the name by which they are usually 

 known, but without wishing to prejudge the question as to 

 their purpose. They are flat on one side, and more or less 

 convex on the other ; rudely triangular or quadrangular in 



Fie. 79. 



Fio. 80. 



FIG. 81. 



Danish Axe. 



shape, with the cutting edge at the broader end ; and from 

 2|in. to 5|in. in length, with a breadth of I|in. to 2Jin. 

 They are never ground, and the cutting edge, though not 

 sharp, is very strong, as it is formed by a plane, meeting 

 the flat side at a very obtuse angle. Professor Steenstrup 

 doubts whether these curious and peculiar implements were 

 ever intended for axes, and regards them as having been, 

 in all probability, mere weights for fishing lines, in support 

 of which view he figures some not, perhaps, very dissimilar 

 stone objects, used for that purpose by the Esquimaux. 

 The so-called edge, in his opinion, neither has, nor could 



