Base Tang Theory

[Marshall Ellis]

If anyone has a good theory about the base tang blades lets hear it. Here are my questions. #1. Given the size and width of these big ole base tangs how could the little bitty shallow notches, that are always so close together, have been of any use in hafting. The stick, shaft or handle would have had to be too narrow to be of use on such a large piece and there are no opposing notches for the hafting to extend to. #2. Can we just figure that they were use in ceramonies with no shaft attached? They are great lookin pieces but I dont see any way for them to be efficiently utilized.
Any theories?

[tomclark]

How about putting cordage on the "haft" area and using it as a hand knife?? We do not have the type in FL... there's gotta be a lot written about these...

[Wichita]

Tom took the words right out of my mouth.

[scancode]

I think there was a bone cut to fit and two wood slivers inserted into the open sides and pounded down tight. Haven't tried it, but same idea as a hammer head on a wooden handle held by slivers.

[Marshall Ellis]

Originally Posted by tomclark

How about putting cordage on the "haft" area and using it as a hand knife?? We do not have the type in FL... there's gotta be a lot written about these...

That is how a Corner Tang Knife was used.
I dont see enough tang, on a Base Tang Blade, to tie a cord to. Lets think bout it some more.

[Massac]

Maybe the "point" sticks in the handle and the notches pointed up. Good question I've wondered about this myself.

[Tdog]

I understand the curiosity about hafting these beasts. Here's my $.02 worth. Y'all can give me back some change if you think I need it! At the haft, the shaft was more pointed and carefully tapered and slotted to protrude up farther on the center of the blade. Can't lose sight of the fact that these things are unusually w-i-d-e so the aforementioned likely wouldn't interfere with it's usability. Enough pine rosin or asphaltum applied in the slot in addition to securing it with sinew would cinch it down pretty d@mn tight IMO. Probably weren't subjected to great stress considering the inherent issues with the haft. I'm sure they had a specific purpose and this makes sense to me.

[Scotto]

Does anyone have any pics showing polish on C-tangs?

[Cluton]

Bone handle fo sho! I do believe cornertangs were kept on wrist also!

[winmeek]

I have seen and illustration where the handle was hafted perpendicular to the blade, and the two small notches were used like side notches for the sinew and then the sinew was wrapped across the handle in and "X" pattern. Does that make sense?