NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN OLD ANTIQUE STONE AXE HEAD -- NR

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NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN OLD ANTIQUE STONE AXE HEAD -- NR

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Sold Date: 11/26/2006
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

is an Iowa-dug stone axe head, hand made by a Native American Indian. This old 3/4 groove axe measures 5" x 2 3/4"x 1" -- atypically slim except for artistically-crafted examples like this one. The slightly-flared bit is 2".

It came from a small, private collection I bought in Chicagosome years back. (I bought no collection w/o first painstakingly establishing provenance & following up with research ASAP.) Old label says "Shell Dump on Des Moines River bluff east of Fort Dodge, Iowa -- 1963". In fine condition, it was obviously not in a plowed field. It is absolutely unmarked by farm implements. (By 1963, most large pieces still being found were pretty bunged up.) But is an intact 5" example -- guaranteed authentic.

Made of dense grey hardstone with light inclusions, its near glossy finish is marred only by a small, rough spot on the center back. (See photo.) This is an abrader-disturbed work area left when the 2nd groove was made.

In the 80s & 90s, I attended and bid in artifact auctions in and around Chicago -- especially Dunning's. While waiting to pay for the lots I bought, I was often approached by a son or son-in-law saying "My late father (or other relation) collected Indian things. W can we sell his collection? Would you like to see/buy it?"

I bought entire collections. Many had unusual pieces -- but never one like this. It is not only double-grooved -- and slant-grooved -- but a highly developed example. In 1000's of pieces, I've seen only one other double-grooved axe -- but it is a crude, rough-finished affair the size of a mallet. (Oddly enough, 2 other double-grooved (big) axeheads recently sold on e-Bay -- almost the spitting image of my crude one.)

Double-grooving was lithic tecnology's way of producing a "sledgehammer" tool with a double-bound handle for extra heavy use. It is certainly rare to see it so refined in a hatchet. Its unique style is perhaps less surprising since it came from North-Central Iowa -- not far from the stone culture that produced the Wisconsin Fluted Axe & the Michigan Barbed Axe. Both types appear in Lar Hothem's "Indian Artifacts -- Identification & Value Guide." It's promient ridges are similar to these 2 forms.

This is the most definitive book on stone axes -- and the latest (2004) edition. It devotes several pages to featuring Iowa Squared Axes (though some pictured are from Illinois). This axe is highly similar to 4 axes shown on pgs. 128 and 139-40. (See photos.) All 5 examples reflect the characteristic Squared-Axe shape: Tall & slender in frontal dimensions -- & thin in depth. (Again, this axe is 5" high; barely 2 3/4" wide; and just 1" thick.)

All are shaped like bread-loaves standing on end. Please note that these slant-groved axes were valued at from $1500 to $2500 in 2004.

Iowa Squared Axes have become one of the most sought-after & valuable of identified style groups.

This is a superior axe in style, material, and finish. It is pointless to call it a museum-quality piece -- because (apparently) nothing like it exists in any museum. Both unique -- and yet highly developed and classically representative of a group -- this piece is guarenteed authentic. The buyer has 30 days to check it with any COA. If found not as described, they will receive a full refund.

I dislike reserves & rarely use them, but badly need to reduce my inventory -- & will risk underpricing this beautiful old piece. This axe will make a fine addition -- even a centerpiece -- in anyone's collection.

Native American artifacts have alway been a good investment. Over the past 50 years, they have increased roughtly 15-25% in value per year. Prices were flat in 2001-02, but rebounded briskly in 2003. Demand is very strong today. The reason is that most collectors of high-end artifafcts are relatively unaffected by economic declines.

It has been a little while since I had any such items up for auction, but the last time they sparked furious bidding and lots of sniping. So place your best bid now ...