Page:Prehistoric Times.djvu/109

Rh To the small, triangular "axes" (figs. 117—119), which are very characteristic of the Kjökkenmöddings, as well as of the coast-finds, I have applied the name by which they are usually known, but without wishing to prejudge the question as to their purpose. They are flat on one side, and more or less convex on the other; rudely triangular or quadrangular in shape, with the cutting edge at the broader end; and from 2$1⁄2$ in. to 5$1⁄2$ in. in length, with a breadth of 1$1⁄2$ in. to 2$1⁄2$ in. They are never ground, and the cutting edge, though not sharp, is very strong, as it is formed by a plane, meeting the flat side at a very obtuse angle. Professor Steenstrup doubts whether these curious and peculiar implements were ever intended for axes, and regards them as having been, in all probability, mere weights for fishing-lines, in support of which view he figures some not, perhaps, very dissimilar stone objects, used for that purpose by the Esquimaux. The so-called edge, in his opinion, neither has nor could have been used for cutting, but is merely the result of that form which was found by the fishermen to be most convenient. He also calls attention to the polished facets on their surfaces, which he regards as affording strong support to his opinion.