THE ARCHEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF NEW YORK 



63 



Fig. 2 Gouge 



Fig. 3 Grooved axe 



Grooved axes. The grooved axe is typical of the Algonkian 

 culture. The Iroquois did not use it, but mound-building Indians 

 did. In New York grooved axes are larger and heavier than any 

 other form of hafted cutting blade, though small specimens are not 

 wanting. So far as our knowledge goes, nearly all New York 

 forms have the groove at right angles to the medial line of the 

 object, that is, straight across and not slanted. New York groo\'ed 

 axes are not fluted like some western forms. 



Grooved axes in New York may be considered rare but they have 

 been found in nearly all parts of the State where there are Algon- 

 kian sites. Some of the largest specimens come from the valley of 

 the Hudson, Long island, Westchester county and Staten island. 

 (See plate 125.) 



Grooved club heads. These are considered rare objects. The 

 State ^Museum has a number of spec^'mens, some of which are made 

 from natural pebbles of granite or other hard material, and some of 

 hard rock dressed to shape and grooved. Some club heads show no 

 rough usage, the rounded ends being quite smooth. Others seem 

 to have been used as mauls or hammers. Club heads are always 

 grooved on the short diameter. (See plate 126.) 



