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Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center / Past Cultures

Artifacts

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Axe

Two axes Stone axes made from pecking and grinding materials such as granite or basalt were in use throughout the Archaic period, with the full-grooved axes made first, and the three-quarter grooved axes more typical of the Middle and Late Archaic periods. Experiments with use of both steel and stone axes indicate that both will cut down a tree, but the stone axe does require more time and effort.

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MVAC Educational Programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This project was supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.