Pipe tomahawk, decorated

Pipe tomahawk, decorated

Pipe tomahawk, decorated

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Introduction

This relative is a pipe tomahawk. It's maker intricately engraved the pipe bowl and axe-head. A repeating triangular pattern is seen along the edges of the pipe bowl and axe-head. Additionally, on each side of the axe blade, a three-petalled flower resembling a trillium has been inscribed. Numerous horizontal lines have been scratched into the wood of the pipe stem just below the axe-head. These could be marks made by the recipient of this tomahawk. As they carried this relative with them, these marks may have been made simply through wear or purposefully incised. In either case, they are a physical reminder of the life lived by this relative.

This relative currently resides at the Städtisches Museum in Braunschweig, Germany.

 

 

Name of Maker(s): Unrecorded
Nation of Maker: British
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

Due to the known tradition of British forces gifting pipe tomahawks to chiefs and other leaders within Indigenous nations.

Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records. GRASAC researcher visit to Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, October 2024.

Materials

Wood, metal, leather

Techniques or Format

Metal engraving, wood carving.

Motifs and Patterns

Repeating triangular pattern around the opening of the pipe bowl. A flower with three petals (possibly a trillium) is engraved on both sides of the axe blade.

Original and Subsequent Uses

Likely presented as a symbol of peace and respect. Likely used to smoke medicines.

Other Notes

There are a number of horizontal notches scratched into the wood of the pipe, just below the axe-head. GRASAC researchers contemplated whether these lines were made purposefully and if they were used to keep track of a repeating event.

Condition: Stable condition.
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.

Current Location: Städtisches Museum Braunschweig (City Museum Braunschweig), Germany
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: A IV b 207
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1899
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum
Collection Narratives and Histories

Received in 1899 as part of the ring exchange via the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum.

Source for Provenance information

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.

Exhibition History

"Souvenirs aus dem amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitskreig" (Souvenirs from the American War of Independence), hosted by Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, 2024

Comment on Source of Exhibition & Publication Data

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.

GKS Reference Number: 59254
How to Cite this Item

Maker, Name unrecorded. Pipe tomahawk, decorated. GRASAC ID 59254. Städtisches Museum Braunschweig A IV b 207.

Record Creation Context

Record created by Samantha Giguere November 9, 2025. Informed by researcher visit to Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, October 21 and 22, 2024. Researchers: Naomi Recollet, Shaelynn Recollet, Daintry Kewayosh, Beendigaygizhig Deleary, Duke Peltier, Samantha Giguere.

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