The History Of Native American Tomahawks

We've see tomahawks in cartoons and in many western movies

, but what exactly is this iconic weapon and why are they the weapons of choice for Native Americans? A glance throughout history will provide a brief understanding about the Native American tomahawk and its importance in their society.

When you think of Native American movies, one of the most prevailing and memorable items used in combat are tomahawks. The tomahawk is used as a decorative and conversation piece, providing hours of intellectual analysis although no one could guess they would have much use in today's modern age. The Native American tomahawk is an iconic weapon used by the Native Americans for warfare. Those who used the hatchet most were the tribal Indian people. The name of this Indian weapon, tomahawk, came from an Algonquian word.

The first tomahawks were more primative in nature being made of a stone head and wooden handle secured with leather. The tomahawk could also have been made with the wooden handle secured in a bored hole on the stone. There were other kinds of tomahawks made when the Europeans infiltrated the New World. They were made with metal, such as the hatchet we know today. They were called trade tomahawks. The initial use of Native American tomahawks was for hand to hand combat. It was also used as a mid or long range weapon when hurled at the enemy. Like other kinds of artifacts, the tomahawk was also used for ceremonial purposes. In some tribes, the tomahawk was laid to the ground during council meetings. It meant war will commence and it was approved, when a leader took the tomahawk from the ground. If the tomahawk was buried, then it meant that the warfare had ended. This is where the famous line, "bury the hatchet" came from.

Aside from its social and historical context, the allure of the tomahawk today rests upon the ornate and impeccable detailing on the handles as well as on the base of the stone weapon. Many crafters now make tomahawks with ornate details and beautiful coverings like leather work and embellished with pieces like fringes and fur. The resulting effect is a beautiful work of art, worthy to be placed on a wall as decor. These very unique Native American tomahawks have become a great item for those who want to add to their historical pieces of cultural Indian artifacts. Today, Native Americans use tomahawks as gifts, giving them to a person of importance during important tribal meetings.

by: Craig Chambers

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