This is a terrific Indian War mid-1800’s era “knife blade” pattern war tomahawk with massive iron head and teeth drop, the club was collected in 1927 from just outside Wheatland, Kansas and was attributed to the Pawnee. The piece is a large, heavy example with forged iron head that is cut into a “knife blade” pattern, likely smithed from a heavy old axe head. The hardwood haft is adorned with old hot file branding and brass trade tack bands, being secured to the handle with old wood wedges and hardened hide. There is a unique drop tied on with Indian tanned hide showing 16 human teeth and old brass trade beads as well as a drop of hair with brass beads and thimble. It is possible the teeth and hair are war prizes. This is truly a massive and menacing weapon with unique drop, from the heart of the Indian Wars of the 19th-century. Pawnee were know to keep war prizes from their domination of their foes such as this. Provenance: Collected from an Indian family in 1927 just outside of Wheatland, Kansas; from a long family private collection of Native American beadwork and weapons from Cincinnati, Ohio. Head measures 10-inches long and the club is 24-inches long with the drop extending further.