Hjelt, Perti

Hjelt, Perti
Black stone maul, Lil'wat

Black stone maul, Lil'wat

Description:

[This item was repatriated to Lil'wat Nation Nov 22, 2019]. Black stone maul used for grinding or as a hammer. This black stone tool was found by Hjelt about 1967 as he worked with a grader spreading gravel near Smuk's place about 17 miles upriver from Pemberton Village. The gravel had come from the river bank. In Mount Currie, Hjelt had seen similar stone to that in the tool. It is in sound condition, slightly worn at the top. It was found on Bank of the Lillooet river above Smuks (Upper Meadows). Found in gravel near river bank. [update 2019] Hand mauls are almost exclusive to the indigenous people of the southern coast. The hand maul required hard stone not prone to cracking or chipping; it was used to pound wedges into a cedar log to split off planks, as well as for other woodworking requirements. The maul was made by pecking and grinding techniques. A stone of suitable size and material was selected, pecked to the required shape, ground smooth, then polished with a piece of oiled hide. [See publication "Stone, Bone, Antler & Shell" by Hilary Stewart, 1996 - shared by Johnny Jones].

Date of Object:

Accession #:

983.03.01

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