Crescent Shaped Indian Spike Tomahawk
This is a classic eighteenth-century spike tomahawk forged in a crescent shape with a round eye. This style was used quite often and was a favorite of the Eastern Indians as it had good chopping ability and the spike had a correctly shaped drop, ideal for multi-purpose use. Several versions of this style have been found at archeological digs at various Indian village sites proving that they were very popular. These types of tomahawks were very rugged, partially due to the thickness of the eye which led to the blade and spike transition being thicker, keeping both from easily bending.
Spike Tomahawk Adornment
On the head of this custom-made spike tomahawk, the client requested to decorate the eye with different forms of period iconography. One side denotes the four directions with line engraving and accompanying punched dots indicate the four elements. On the opposing side, a series of decorative punched dots in a circular outline with the North Star depicted in the center of the eye.
Another decorative element on this spike tomahawk is the brass repair band added to reinforce the center of the handle making it stronger and less likely to receive strikes that could potentially break or damage the handle.
Decorations on the repair band seemed to be popular among the Indians as they’ve been seen on flintlocks, tomahawks, powder horns, war clubs and other articles of use. A common theme was to depict the sun, moon, and stars as the client chose to do on this tomahawk. Adding a face to both the sun and moon give them life and make them a spiritual element. The sun is normally depicted in its full phase and the moon in crescent phase with the stars added to the side of it.
Bordering the repair band is a series of punched dots. The band is held to the handle with a series of small brass nails as would have been done during the eighteenth century.
Spike Tomahawk Handle
The handle chosen for this tomahawk is hickory in a classic cigar shape. Cigar shaped handles were also very popular among the Indians. They added a good thick swell at the grip area while being thin through the transition giving them great balance, a necessity for a working tomahawk.
Crescent Shaped Indian Spike Tomahawk; Brass Repair: SOLD
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I accept custom orders for Indian tomahawks and frontier weapons of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Contact me to inquire.