Gorget vs. Ulu

[Mud Hawk]

Been reading up on Transitional/Terminal Archaic sites and came across a tool type I have not heard of yet... the ground slate ulu. After a quick search on Google images I saw a cutting tool with three holes used to attach to a handle.

I am late for work but wanted to throw this out there... What do you know about ground slate ulu's and are they sometimes being confused with gorgets???

Thanks in advance guys/gals!

[Tdog]

From what I understand, the ulu is a cutting tool developed by the Inuit culture. Hole(s) used for hafting to locally available material. Don't know about being confused for gorgets. Seems like as a cutting tool, the business edge would be much sharper than the outer edge of a gorget. JMHO.

[joshuaream]

There are several types of slate knives/celts from Asia that have a drilled hole or two or three. I remember the AACA had a page on their website about the differences because they started showing up quite frequently at shows and auctions.

[KYPaleoMan]

Never heard of them before. But, I've never dealt with Inuit artifacts, so that may be why..

[Tdog]

Modern ones with various material for handles are still in existence and used today. Saw Andrew Zimmern visit Alaska on the Travel Channel not too long ago and the native women were using modern ulus to prepare the meal!

The Ulu Factory

[beforeyouknewme]

Both Athabascan and Inuit still use the Ulu for fish processing. Slate is not a common material in most areas. The bulk of our Texas gorgets are made of Packsaddle schist or limestone. Don't know of any cultures in north american using the Ulu, other than the northern maritine ones.

[Tdog]

Now that I think about this, I can't remember any gorgets or pendants coming from where ulus are found. I know a guy who could surely shed some light on this named Joel Castanza from Washington state. Don't know if he is a member here but used to post quite a bit on arrowheadforums. I think he's what'cha call "a expert" on this subject.
... Just got back from Arrowheadforums where I sent Joel a PM about this. Hoplefully he will respond.

[Mud Hawk]

Thanks guys, think I came about them reading about them in Susquehanna Tradition or a Terminal Archaic article. Lost the link .