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Tomahawk / African

Essay/Description

Tomahawk, steel blade -- Thin, steel blade attached to a wooden handle that resembles the head of a walking cane. There are four holes equally spaced along the handle. A leather thong connects each of these holes, and there are three feathers attached to the end of the handle. There was a note in the Engles’ collection that said: “French trader’s tomahawk - belonged to Gray Eagle - Indian judge at Standing Rock.” However, this tomahawk is similar to pieces from West Africa. It also appears that the feathers were added to this item much later in an attempt to make the object appear to be Native American.

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Title(s): 
Tomahawk
Culture: 
African
Date: 
Unknown
Period: 
Historic
Place: 
West Africa, Africa
Materials/Techniques: 
wood, metal, leather, feathers, cotton
Classification: 
Object Type: 
Accession No: 
84.2149
Department: 
Not On View

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