Plains. <em>Hammer with Beaded Handle</em>, 19th century. Catlinite, beads, wood, height: 15 3/4 in. (40 cm); width of stone hammer: 5 1/8 in. (13 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Anonymous gift in memory of Dr. Harlow Brooks, 43.201.128. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.43.201.128.jpg)

Hammer with Beaded Handle

Artist:Plains

Medium: Catlinite, beads, wood

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:19th century

Dimensions: height: 15 3/4 in. (40 cm); width of stone hammer: 5 1/8 in. (13 cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: 43.201.128

Image: CUR.43.201.128.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
This hammer has a handle totally covered with hide that extends over the stone hammer. The grey stone hammer has no grooves but is tapered on each end.At one time this might have had a decorative horsetail hanging from it. Such clubs were used in dances before a hunt and had symbolic and ceremonial function not a war function. Members of a society carried these as badges of honor and emblems of office.

Brooklyn Museum