2019.0042.002 Tomahawk, Pipe tomahawk, view 9
  • 2019.0042.002 Tomahawk, Pipe tomahawk, view 9
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Tomahawk (Pipe tomahawk or trade axe)

  • Category:

    Weapons, Hunting, and Fishing

  • Place of Origin:

    France, Europe

  • Date:

    1761

  • Materials:

    Iron; Wood; Silver; Brass; Gold

  • Techniques:

    Engraved

  • Museum Object Number:

    2019.0042.002


  • Complete Details



Object Number

2019.0042.002

Object Name

Tomahawk (Pipe tomahawk or trade axe)

Category

Weapons, Hunting, and Fishing

Credit Line/Donor

Gift of Rocky Hill Collection

Place of Origin

France, Europe

Date

1761

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Inscription; Axe head, top; "FP LECOMTE" inlay in brass
2. Inscription; Axe head, proper left; "A. LEPOIV[inverted]VRES" inlay in brass
3. Inscription; Axe head, proper right; "1761" inlay in brass and possibly niello

Subjects

French and Indian War; Native American; Indigenous peoples

Materials

Iron; Wood; Silver; Brass; Gold

Techniques

Engraved

Dimensions (inches)

19.75 (L) , 7.5 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

50.165 (L) , 19.05 (W)

Measurement Notes

Silver bands on shaft H: 1.1 - 1.3 cm

Object Description

Web - 12/08/2022

Native American and European cultures visibly merge in this pipe tomahawk. During the colonial era, Native Americans introduced Europeans to smoking tobacco and were in turn, introduced to iron axes. Pipes and axes were first combined into pipe tomahawks in the early 1700s, usually forged by Europeans. They were gifted or traded to Native American leaders and also became popular among European military officers. This example, inscribed with the date “1761” was likely created by a French axe maker or a French Canadian armorer/gunsmith. Additional inscriptions inlaid in gold, silver, and brass include the names “A LEPOIVRES” and “FP LECOMTE” as well as images of the sun and moon. Silver bands encircle the wooden handle which is drilled as a pipe and is missing the mouthpiece that would have been inserted into the tip. The pipe tomahawk, while symbolic, was also a functional smoking pipe, a weapon, and a tool for trade and diplomacy.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Stephenson, R. Scott. 2005 Clash of Empires The British, French & Indian War 1754-1763.
Published: p. 12.
[Article] Gladysz, Kevin & Hamilton, Ken. 12/01/2012 Axes in New France: Part III Casse-tetes (French Tomahawks). Journal of the Early Americas. II (VI): 6-19.
Illustrated: Image I-4, p. 16.
[Article] Stolle, Nikolaus. 2010 Of French Origin? Eight "French Pipe Axes". European Review of Native American Studies. 21 (2): 43-47.
Brass head trade axes
[Book] Hartzler, Daniel & Knowles, James. 1995 Indian Tomahawks and Frontiersmen Belt Axes.
Published p. 124 (first edition)
[Other] Pedigo, Kelly. "That Wild Pipe of His": Deconstructing Narratives Around the Pipe Tomahawk.
In object file 2019.0042.002