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Bandelier National Monumentfibrolite axe head
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Bandelier National Monument
Stone Tools

stone tools includes:

Fibrolite Axes
 
obsidian quarry

Photo by Sally King

Obsidian was quarried in the local area.

OBSIDIAN
Obsidian, a form of volcanic glass, was mined in the local area. Obsidian is very hard and breaks in very sharp edges, making it an excellent choice for arrowpoints and scrappers.  The local obsidian is good quality for tool making and was traded far and wide. 
 
basalt axe

NPS Collection

Basalt was used mostly for pounding and cutting tools.

BASALT
Basalt is also a very hard, dark rock.  It was used mostly for pounding and cutting tools such as hammers and axes.  Like obsidian, basalt is found locally mostly in the southern section of the monument.   
Bandelier Backcountry  

Did You Know?
About 70% of Bandelier National Monument is a designated Wilderness area? Hikers can enjoy viewing remote archeological sites and spotting rare wildlife in this less developed area of the park.

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Last Updated: February 09, 2008 at 16:28 EST