🪶 October Artifact of the Month: Tomahawk

October’s Artifact of the Month highlights a fascinating piece of Native American history — a tomahawk from the museum’s Indian Collection in Room 8.

This tomahawk, once owned by Cannon “Pete” Gardner and donated by Elinor Gardner, represents both craftsmanship and cultural heritage. The word tomahawk comes from the Algonquian language family term otomahuk, meaning “to knock down.” Traditionally, tomahawks were small axes used by North American Indians as tools, weapons, and hunting devices. Early tomahawks had heads made of stone or bone mounted on wooden handles — simple yet highly functional.

🔸 Visit the McQuarrie Memorial Museum this month to see this artifact in person — and while you’re here, don’t miss our October Third Weekend Event on Saturday, October 18 at 10 AM, featuring Patricia Kent’s presentation on Native American Petroglyphs.It’s the perfect opportunity to explore both the artistic and practical sides of early Native cultures.

📍 Artifact Location: Native American Collection Case, Room 8

The Artifact of the Month series at the McQuarrie Memorial Museum (also known as the DUP Museum or Pioneer Museum) highlights unique items from our collection that share the stories of pioneer life. Each artifact offers a glimpse into the heritage we preserve for future generations.

Close-up photo of a tomahawk from the McQuarrie Memorial Museum Indian Collection, once owned by Cannon ‘Pete’ Gardner and donated by Elinor Gardner. The tomahawk features a stone or bone-style head and a wooden handle.

Tomahawk on display as part of our Native American exhibit in room #8 in the basement.