Blacksmith Forged Hoe from Ottawa Village Site

Description

This is likely an 18th century blacksmith made hoe found along the coastline of Northern Michigan at an Ottawa American Indian village site, which dotted the coastline in the vicinity of L’ Arbre Croche and Fort Michilimackinac. It is of legal origin, having been found by Robert Bennett, author of “A Pictorial History of Fur Trade Goods Mid 1600s to Early 1800s in the Mackinac Straits Area.” It’s in relic condition, and has undergone some conservative preservation work. A cool piece which was a necessary component of daily life during the growing season – as it still is today for those of us with vegetable gardens. I’m not aware of any markings on it, but it’s definitely a blacksmith forged piece.