Stone Blade

Object ID: 2014.89.8

This stone blade was likely once hafted on to a wooden handle and used for carving or scraping. Coast Salish peoples used tools such as these for carving canoes, totem poles, and planks for structures. Due to the organic nature of the wood and rope of the adze handle, far more stone blades are found than intact adzes.

This blade was found in the 1950s at šɛʔaystən (Emmonds Beach), a sacred site of the Tla’amin people. Oral histories as well as the presence of many artifacts including this stone blade are indicate that Tla’amin people have occupied this land for thousands of years.

The stone has been shaped by grinding another stone of a denser composition against it. Eventually, the abrasion created a stone which tapers to a sharpened blade. Ground stone artifacts such as this blade can often be identified through their shape and texture. They are characterized through their uniform, flat surface, as well gradual slopes which may end abruptly. Depending on the type of stone they are made of, ground stones can range from a lustrous, very smooth texture as seen with nephrite, or they can have a grittier texture when made of sedimentary stone such as sandstone.

Additional information on these pieces, what they can tell us, and additional information about the archaeological studies can be found here.

The Tla’amin Nation, the qathet Regional District, and the qathet Museum & Archives encourage the donation of any artifacts that may be held in personal collections so that we may learn from them and the public can enjoy their significance.

Removal of any object from archaeological sites in BC is illegal and subject to severe penalties under the Heritage Conservation Act. Individuals can report any contraventions of the Heritage Conservation Act, by calling 1 877-952-7277, (Option 2) toll-free or #7277 on a cellphone. If you think you have found an artifact, please take only a picture, leave it in place and immediately call the Tla’amin Nation (604) 483-9646 and/or the Powell River Historic Museum & Archives (604) 485-2222.