Plains, North America
Circa 1820
Iron, wood, brass tacks, vermilion pigment
Length 20" (50.8 cm); width 8 3/4" (22.2 cm)
Provenance: Private East Coast collection
Pipe tomahawks were among the most symbolically charged objects in Plains material culture, serving simultaneously as weapons, ceremonial implements, and diplomatic gifts, the pipe bowl opposite the blade allowing the same object to function as an instrument of war or peace depending on context. The form emerged from the intersection of indigenous pipe traditions and European trade iron, with English and American blacksmiths producing tomahawk heads for the trade from the late 17th century onward, the finest examples becoming prestigious gifts exchanged at treaty negotiations and council meetings. Objects of this type dating to circa 1820 represent the early period of Plains pipe tomahawk production, predating the mass-produced trade versions that became more common later in the 19th century.
This tomahawk has a diamond-shaped wood haft set with rows of brass tacks at either end, terminating in an iron head with a heart-shaped cutout aperture and pipe bowl, with old traces of vermilion pigment remaining on the surface. The heart cutout is a decorative feature associated with early 19th century trade tomahawk production and adds both visual interest and historical specificity to the piece. The well-used condition of both haft and head is consistent with an object that saw active use before entering the East Coast collection.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Plains, North America
Circa 1820
Iron, wood, brass tacks, vermilion pigment
Length 20" (50.8 cm); width 8 3/4" (22.2 cm)
Provenance: Private East Coast collection
Pipe tomahawks were among the most symbolically charged objects in Plains material culture, serving simultaneously as weapons, ceremonial implements, and diplomatic gifts, the pipe bowl opposite the blade allowing the same object to function as an instrument of war or peace depending on context. The form emerged from the intersection of indigenous pipe traditions and European trade iron, with English and American blacksmiths producing tomahawk heads for the trade from the late 17th century onward, the finest examples becoming prestigious gifts exchanged at treaty negotiations and council meetings. Objects of this type dating to circa 1820 represent the early period of Plains pipe tomahawk production, predating the mass-produced trade versions that became more common later in the 19th century.
This tomahawk has a diamond-shaped wood haft set with rows of brass tacks at either end, terminating in an iron head with a heart-shaped cutout aperture and pipe bowl, with old traces of vermilion pigment remaining on the surface. The heart cutout is a decorative feature associated with early 19th century trade tomahawk production and adds both visual interest and historical specificity to the piece. The well-used condition of both haft and head is consistent with an object that saw active use before entering the East Coast collection.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
