What tools did the Takelma use?

Hopper and mortar base

Hopper and mortar base

Collection of Department of Anthropology, Southern Oregon University

Spearpoint

Spearpoint

Collection of Department of Anthropology, Southern Oregon University

Arrowhead set

Set of tools used for making spearpoints

Collection of Department of Anthropology, Southern Oregon University

Arrowheads

Arrowheads

Collection of Department of Anthropology, Southern Oregon University

The tools used by the Takelma consisted of implements made of stone, bone, antler, and wood, as well as woven materials. The stone tools included projectile points (arrowheads) and other small flaked-stone tools made from obsidian, jasper, agate, and even petrified wood. Rock slabs were used to pound acorns and other materials. Numerous other tools including pestles and mortars, hammerstones, and stone pipes were made from stone. Tools made from bone and antler included harpoons (for fishing), needles, spoons, scratching sticks, and elkhorn wedges. Deer or elk sinew and pitch from trees were used for attaching tool pieces together, and sinew or iris fiber twine was used as thread. Implements made from wood included bows, arrows, needles, atlatals, spoons, digging sticks, and stirring paddles. Roots, grasses, and bark were woven to make baskets, cups, plates, cradles, trays, and hats (Satler 1979).

Satler, Timothy

  • 1979 Preliminary Report of Test Excavations at Salt Creek Site in Southwestern Oregon. Medford, OR: DOI Bureau of Land Management, Medford District Office.

Decorative hat

Decorative hats

Collection of Aleena Turpin

Storage basket

Storage basket

Collection of Aleena Turpin

Utility basket

Utility basket

Collection of Aleena Turpin

Burden basket

Burden basket

Collection of Aleena Turpin

Antler spoons

Antler spoons

Collection of Aleena Turpin

Axe and fishing weights

Axe and fishing weights

Collection of Department of Anthropology, Southern Oregon University

Atlatl

Atlatl

Mortar and pestle

Mortar and pestle
Grinding tool