The Keokuk Axe	by Glenn R. Hummell
Reprinted from the October 1977 CSAJ	Stockport, Iowa
Central States Archaeological Societies 2020 October Journal

This excerpt from "The Keokuk Axe" published in the 2020 Central States Archaeological Societies 2020 October Journal Read the complete column in the Central States Archaeological Societies 2020 October Journal which can be purchased on-line after March 2021

An unusual type of grooved stone axe, the Keokuk, is found in our area of Iowa. These axes are of the half-grooved variety and are very well made. These axes are square with raised grooves that are a little deeper and wider than on some of the other types of axes found in this area. The grooves run diagonally at a slight angle from the top to the bottom. The poll is flattened and nearly square. The top and the bottom are nearly always straight and parallel, except from the grooves to the end of the poll. The top and the bottom are slightly hollowed on several that I have seen, on some more than others. The flute is thought by some to have been used for wedges to tighten the handle when it became loose.

The Keokuk axe is found mostly in the southeastern quarter of Iowa, but no doubt overlaps into Missouri and Illinois. I have seen several that were found along the Des Moines (Keosauqua Sepo) and the Skunk (Chi-Ca-Qua-Sepo) Rivers and their tributaries.

The axes are generally not too large. The two Keokuk’s shown are average size. The larger axe weighs 1 1/2 pounds and the smaller, 1 1/4 pounds.

The two pictured are in my collection and were found in Henry County, Iowa, along the Skunk River. Those I have seen in other collections are of a similar size. Several are made of a green granite-like stone. Most show signs of having had a polished surface. We do find ...

Read the complete column in the Central States Archaeological Societies 2020 October Journal which can be purchased on-line after March 2021