Primitive hand-hewn axe head - Native American tool - Archaic Period/Bronze Age This is a beautiful example of a groundstone axe (or celt), the likes of which were found throughout eastern North America. They become particularly common during the so-call Late Archaic period around 3000 years ago. Making these was a very labor-intensive affair. They are often made out of some sort of igneous rock since those types tend to be very hard. They are called "groundstone" because they are literally made by laboriously grinding and shaping with another abrasive rock, typically sandstone. The groove is used for hafting the axe. In other words, Native Americans would take a very thick section of wood as a handle, cut a kind of socket into it, then force the axe through the hole. Then they would bin