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Semillunar ground slate knives, or as they are commonly known, ulus(after the similar ground slate knives used by Eskimo women), are a distinctive tool form found in the far northeastern states and dating Early-Late Archaic. Some come with raised grip areas and are termed comb-back ulus. The linked article describes the varied ulu types found in the state of Connecticut, and the observations therein can be applied to the distribution range in general. Most common in the New England states.
Two examples of this unique knife form. Both made of slate, and both are fine examples of comb-back ulus. The intact example from eastern Ma.; the broken example from southwest RI. The slate used to fashion the broken example is quite distinctive.
Two examples of this unique knife form. Both made of slate, and both are fine examples of comb-back ulus. The intact example from eastern Ma.; the broken example from southwest RI. The slate used to fashion the broken example is quite distinctive.