1957.26.5

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brass%20pipe%20tomahawk%20head

Details

ID Number

1957.26.5

Category

T&E For Science & Technology

Sub-category

armament T&E - edged

Item Type

pipe

Item Name

tomahawk

Materials

METAL, BRASS METAL, STEEL

Measurements

13.5cmx6cm

Description

brass with dovetailed steel blade, raised horizontal moldings across eye just below bit encloses and engraved trillium design

History

Natives fought with many different weapons during the War of 1812, including muskets, rifles, knives and tomahawks. A tomahawk could be used as a striking weapon, or it could be thrown as described by William Dunlop of the 89th Regiment of Foot: "[the chief] cut a small chip out of the bark of a tree, and standing some fourteen yards off, and taking his tomahawk with its pole to the front, he threw it, and it was buried some inches into the oak, with the handle utmost, it having turned round in its flight" (Beam1991). This tomahawk is called a pipe tomahawk and could have ceremonial functions in a smoking ritual as well as being used as a weapon.

Collection Name

Museum Windsor

Subject (Fre)

Y

Subjects

Indians / Indiens subject

Natives subject

Religion subject

Social life subject

Weapon subject

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