Anthropology, Department of
Nebraska Anthropologist
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Date of this Version
2026
Document Type
Article
Citation
Nebraska Anthropologist (2026)
Anthropology Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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Abstract
The axe in this study is a fine artifact. The bit is 10.3 cm long and the poll is 3.5 cm long. Combined with the width of the groove this axe has a total length of 16.5 cm. The thickness – defined as the distance from the top edge to the bottom edge at the thickest point – is 8.9 cm. It has a width of 5.1 cm – which is the distance between the right and left side at the widest point. The cutting edge is 6.4 cm in length. The axe weighs 2.6 pounds.
. . .
Determining the cultural context of an axe of unknown origins is not a simple task, but the rarity of fluted axes offers a valuable starting point. According to Highsmith’s records, over 85% of documented “fluted” axes were found in Wisconsin, with a concentration in the Southeast region of the state. Of the axes found outside Wisconsin, most were within reasonable distance of the state or were along an accessible waterway, such as the Mississippi River. “Fluted” axes vary in size, raw material, groove type, as well as flute size, orientation and location. Highsmith (1985) deems this the “‘Fluted’ Axe Culture."
Comments
Copyright 2026, Colten Miller. Used by permission