Knobbed and Grooved Gouges and Adzes of the Northeast	by William E. Moody
Central States Archaeological Societies 2025 April Journal	West Tisbury, Massachusetts

Figure 1. Two fine New York gouges. Largest example measures 13 ½” long.

 

The New England states - and over to New York in the Great Lakes area—comprises a region that has long been known for its Archaic period gouges and adzes. These implements date back as far as 7,500 years ago. The maritime-oriented cultures of the Northeast are well documented, and early people would certainly have been utilizing such stone tools in boat-making and other woodworking activities (Bourque, 2012:66-69). The New England gouges rate among the finest found anywhere in North America and can even measure up to 13 inches or more in length (Fig. 1). As archaeologist Bruce Bourque has written, “Many are among the world’s most aesthetically appealing prehistoric stone artifacts” (Bourque, 2012:66).

In his important work published in 1922, A Report on the Archaeology of Maine, Warren Moorehead described and illustrated numerous fine gouges that were unearthed by his crew at what became known as “Red Paint” cemeteries. Somewhat later, Charles Willoughby in his own 1935 survey of New England archaeology also featured four full pages depicting various extraordinary gouges found throughout the Northeast (pp. 32-35).

Further research over the years has concluded that these Maritime Archaic people were adept at fishing off the rugged coast of Maine, even in pursuit of swordfish, which were never an easy prey in the North Atlantic. Swordfish ranging up to as much as 1,000 pounds were pursued at least as far as 15 miles off of the mainland coast (Bourque, 2012:106-109). Such challenging fishing would have required sturdy, seaworthy boats for which gouges would have served an important role in their manufacture.

Some gouges can be ...

Read the complete "Knobbed and Grooved Gouges and Adzes of the Northeast" column in the Central States Archaeological Societies 2025 April Journal which can be purchased on-line after March 2026