JERSEY BLUFF SPUD
LATE WOODLAND PERIOD
FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
FLOYD RITTER COLLECTION
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    This is an excellent example of a Jersey Bluff type

spud. It was found sometime in the 1920's in Fayette

County, Illinois. These types of spuds are reported to

have been found on Jersey Bluff sites and are believed

to represent some of the oldest examples of spuds.

This spud probably dates to the Late Woodland period.

These types of spuds were made from hard stone, such

as granite. This spud was made in the same way axes

were made, by pecking the surface with a hammer
stone. The final steps were grinding and polishing the

surface until it was smooth. The area where the handle

was attached, in the center, was left rough to help grip

the handle better. The blade and the end of the pole was

polished smooth. This spud is made of granite and it

measures 9 3/8 inches (23.8 cm) long.

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