National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Bandelier National Monumentfibrolite axe head
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
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.   
Western Pygmy Blue butterfly  

Did You Know?
Western Pygmy Blue butterflies are the smallest butterflies in North America. They have wingspans of just .5 to .6 inches.

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

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