Fibrolite Axes

Fibrolite axe heads are made of a type of fibrolite found only near Truchas Peak.

Photo by Sally King

Fibrolite is related to such minerals as sillimanite, kyanite, and muscovite. It is composed of highly metamorphosed shale, which started out as clays with quartz, calcite, feldspar, and other components.

Fibrolite axes are made from a type of fibrolite found only in an area near Truchas Peaks. Not only is the stone itself distinctive, but the form into which it has been ground is also instantly recognizable. Most noticeable is the sharp blade and the spiral groove where the handle is attached.

 

Due to limited availability of fibrolite, the location of fibrolite axes may tell much about Ancestral Pueblo trade networks.

Photo by Sally King

Because the fibrolite is found only in one place, axes made from it provide information about early trade networks. Starting in the area around the Truchas Peaks, fibrolite axes were apparently traded to such widespread locations as Frijoles Canyon in Bandelier, San Lazaro Pueblo in the Galisteo Basin, San Ildefonso and other pueblos along the Rio Grande, and the Hopi villages in Arizona.

 

Fibrolite axes are distinctive in design with a sharp blade and a spiral groove where the handle is attached.

Photo by Sally King