Some Notes on Hand Choppers in New Mexico

Extract

In the Fall of 1939, the writer picked up a number of stone tools which have been called hand-axes, choppers, etc., around the ruin of Kuaua, in the Coronado State Monument, New Mexico. These tools are varied in type and workmanship. They were shaped from river boulders, apparently gathered from the gravel terrace upon which the ruin is situated. On all specimens found, one face of the tool was the original surface, and often the nodular surface is to be found on both sides, with the butt also left smooth (Plate XXI).

Further occurrence of these tools was noted by the writer at the former Indian and Mission ruin of Abo, where the tools recovered were similar in every aspect to the above illustrated specimens. Of particular note is the similarity of these tools with those recovered by Sayles in Texas and the Campbells in the Southern California Desert.