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Shell tool pondering
swamp monkey:
Coastal natives like the Calusa made a lot of tools from shells. They had little to no rock resources. So as I made a few shell tools I began to ponder how they did this. I assume shells were used to shape other shells into tools. They were used to grind, saw, peck and sand tools into shape. I suppose that the Calusa crafters looked at shells the way I do at different trees. Some trees are better for certain things thanks to their characteristics. I.e., Osage will make a bow while pine is better for other products. So my pondering is what species were good for making shell tools that make shell tools?
swamp monkey:
A Celt and an adze of shell. Not mine. Borrowed the images for explanation purposes.
swamp monkey:
A Calusa village. Mounds were made of shells.
swamp monkey:
I got a hold of a fella in Florida who makes the tools I have pictured above. He was most gracious with some information.
He indicated that adze blades were crafted from lightning whelk and celts were taken from Queen conch. He also indicated that some rocks were used in shell tool manufacture. Limestone or sandstone were used to sharpen blades.
I LOVE learning. 8)
swamp monkey:
I just got back from a vacation where I visited Key Marco and Sanibel Island. I found some limestone rocks along the beach. I collected some raw material too. 8) 8) My wife and I collected shells. some were chosen for beauty and some because they would make a fine scraper, adze etc. ;) I will be experimenting as time allows.
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