First Nations of Ontario
Available Scans
Onondaga Chert
- SCAN #0005
- SCAN DATE 04-28-2023
- SCAN LOCATION Sarnia, Ontario
- ARTIFACT LOCATION Johnston Collection (Port Franks Heritage Museum)
This large spearpoint is Onondaga chert. It is about nine inches long and was probably used for ceremonial purposes, not combat. It was discovered in a sand dune in Port Franks while a house was being built. Anishinaabe used the sand dunes along Lake Huron as burial grounds, which may explain the presence of this spearpoint in that area.
Cultural Insight
While the primary use of Onondaga chert was utilitarian, the material often had cultural and even spiritual significance. Crafting tools from chert could involve specific rituals. The trade and gifting of chert tools could also hold social or ceremonial importance.