Gouge

Object Name:

Gouge

Object ID:

1986.004

Creator:

Eastern Woodland

Place of Origin:

Tilton, NH

Description:

Gouge, stone, Native American. Shape is slightly tapering rectangle. Cross section hemispherical. Flat top surface from center to back edge. Front portion has wide rounded groove that leads to front where it turns downward to cutting edge. Bottom surface is rounded upward at front; straight taper to back, roughly flat surface. At front, edge turns up slightly to cutting edge. Bottom surface has many small, fairly deep pits on right and bottom. Left side is somewhat smooth, but still has some small pits. At front, surface quite smooth adjacent to cutting edge. On top, surface very smooth at cutting edge, extends about an inch backward. Sides at front, are more pronounced along cutting edge. Definite line on both sides of gouge where sides turn upward. Smooth surface on top allows one to see what appears to be dark inclusions that run diagonally across piece. Inclusions are narrow black lines in stone. At back end, large chip missing from top surface, rounded from wear.

Material:

Stone

Dimensions:

H-1.5 W-1.9 L-6.9 Dia-1.75 inches Weight-17.7 oz

Provenance:

Found in garden off High Street, Tilton, NH, 1948. Near Tilton School. Found by John William Sawyer (father of donor). Given in memory of John William Sawyer.
Remarks: Donor's father also found a flintlock pistol about 350 yards from site.

Credit Line:

Gift of Charles Sawyer