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Native American Tomahawks

By Craig Chambers

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 07Jul2011 Word count: 443 Viewed: 119 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

The Native American tomahawk served many purposes. Originally made of a shaped piece of stone attached to a wooden handle, the tomahawk was a prized possession. It was used as a tool, a weapon, and also a ceremonial item. The Indian tomahawk could be used for close combat, since it was a one handed weapon. Likewise, it could be thrown to bring an enemy down. It is the weapon that, alongside the bow, people most closely associate with Native American warriors. The tomahawk could also be used for hunting.

Nearly everyone is familiar with the role of the tomahawk in combat situations. And, it is undeniable that the Native American tomahawk was indeed used by warriors against their enemies. However, besides being used as a tool, aggression was not the only use for the tomahawk. Tomahawks often played an important part in religious or spiritual ceremonies. They were made and decorated for different purposes. A tomahawk meant to be used in an important spiritual ritual would look quite different from one that would be used for chopping wood.

Today, the tradition of the Indian tomahawk is still carried on, however, for peaceful purposes. Tomahawks still play a central part in many ceremonies. Tomahawk pipes are especially important and the symbolism of peace versus war is obvious. Passing a tomahawk pipe around so that all can partake of the smoke will cement a peace treaty such as in days past. In effect, the instrument of war had become one of peace.

Native American tomahawks were generally individualized by their owner, and decorations were added to the basic instrument. Besides embellishments of feathers, bone, and leather, a medicine bag was often attached to the tomahawk as well. The wooden shaft often had metallic inlays, too. The tomahawk used by a shaman or spiritual healer would be one that would be decorated with items relevant to the task. An animal fetish would often be included in the medicine bag to help deliver a message to the spirit world.

It is possible today to have a Native American tomahawk as an embellishment in your home. The tomahawk can be used as the centerpiece for a collection of Indian artifacts. Many Native American artists are using their cultural traditions to create tomahawks. An Indian tomahawk can bring something of the Native American tribes into your home. There are actually antique tomahawks available as well as reproductions. Any of these finely made weapons will add a quality addition to your decor. One made by a Native American artist is especially desirable as it will contain some of the spirit found in these proud people.

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