Brass Points

Today’s article is the first in a series called “Found in Collections: Objects.” This series will focus on the countless objects that are not currently on display here at the OWCJ.

Our subject is very near and dear to my heart. I have spent quite a bit of time on archaeological digs, hoping to run across one of these facinating objects. While I never found one in the ground, I was delighted to find two in our collection.

When Europeans first made contact with the Native Americans they brought many items to trade. They knew that they would need to establish positive relationships with the people who had called North America home for thousands of years. And one of the best ways to do that is to bring new goods for gifts and trade. Europeans brought many new items; glassware, colorful beads, guns, and metal goods.  Brass kettles were one of the most common metal objects given to the indigenous population.  The Natives in New England did not produce brass, but hey also had no need for a kettle.  They were more than happy with the clay pots they used for generations.  Notheless the kettles were accepted greatfully, but instead of using them to boil water they would cut up the brass for use for other objects, mosly beads and points.

These are two flat, triangular brass points, or “arrow heads.” A Native would have hafted these on to a piece of wood to make an arrow. A thread would be tied through the small hole you see in the center to help attach it to the shaft. These brass points can aquire a much sharper edge than the old stone points.  Not only do they represent trade between the Europeans and the Natives, they show us how European influence changed native technologies and warfare.  

These tiny gems are a part of our very large Native American tool collection. Almost all of our collection is comprised of lithics, or stone tools.  We have thousands of lithics in storage. In another post, I will tell you more about lithic technology.

If you would like to see these points or any part of our lithic collection, stop by the Old Washington County Jail Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday from 1-4pm. We look forward to seeing you!

-Eleanor