Celt from Warren Wilson collection

3D Model

Celt from Warren Wilson collection

Remarks: Native American celts were made by pecking the stone into a rough shape and then grinding it smooth into its final shape. It is then hafted to a wooden handle. Celts were used as axes or adzes for cutting trees and other woodworking tasks. Some large exampes, called spatulate or “spud” celts feature one flared edge. Spatulate celts were probably used for ceremonial or ritual purposes. Woodworking celts, like the one in the model, are from the Woodland (1000 BCE-800 CE) and Mississippian (800-1600 CE) periods. This model was made in collaboration with the Research Laboratory of Archaeology at UNC-Chapel Hill.