Ohio History Connection
Ohio History Connection
Virtual First Ohioans » Section Three: Archaic Period » 3.15 Groundstone Tools
 
 
3.15 Groundstone Tools
3.5 Canoe Making 3.6 Rock Shelter 3.7 Hunting Strategy 3.8 Sewing
3.9 Fishing 3.11 Development Of The Atlatl 3.12 Bannerstones 3.13 Archaic Projectile Points
Section 3.14 Projectile Point Names 3.15 Groundstone Tools 3.16 More on Groundstone Tools (video) 3.17 Raw Materials

3.15 Groundstone Tools

The people of the Archaic culture, and those who followed them, used a broad range of rocks beyond flint to make their tools. Cobbles of granite, gabbro, diorite, gneiss, porphyry, and slate – originating in the bedrock of Canada – could be found in glacial outwash along most Ohio streams and rivers.

When making a tool, the stoneworker first chose a cobble of the right size and weight. He or she then shaped the tool by striking the cobble many times with a hammerstone. Finally, the tool was smoothed using objects with rough surfaces, much as a carpenter uses sandpaper. With this method the toolmaker was able to make a polished axe, adz, or chisel for woodworking, a pestle for grinding nuts, or an ornament to wear.

Image number: FOCase24

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