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Hunkpapa Spike Tomahawk Chief Good Bear c1860-1870

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Hunkpapa Spike Tomahawk Chief Good Bear c1860-1870
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This is a wonderful rare original spike tomahawk war axe dating to circa 1860-1870’s owned and used by a Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux Native Americana Indian, Chief Good Bear who was present at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The tomahawk war axe has been examined and authenticated by renowned historian and Togia language expert, Wendell Grangaard of The Guns of History, Inc. Good Bear, a Hunkpapa Lakota, was born in 1821 into the Raw Meat Necklace Band of the Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux. He later married Itegewin, an Oglala Sioux who was born in 1851. When Good Bear became a chief, he was invited to become a member of the Strong Heart Society which was headed at the time by Sitting Bull. At the Battle of the Little Big Horn, also called the Battle of the Greasy Grass or Custer’s Last Stand, Good Bear was 55 years old and his group of Hunkpapa rode with the War Chief Crow King in the valley fight against Reno, and later against Custer’s columns of soldiers. Good Bear’s son, Good Bear Boy rode right beside hi father until they became separated, Good Bear Boy was wounded but saved by One Bull, Sitting Bull’s nephew. Good Bear and his group followed Sitting Bull into Canada and surrendered with him in 1881. He then lived for two years on the Standing Rock Agency by the Grand River until his death in 1883 at the age of 62. The tomahawk is referred to as a Spike Tomahawk and “Belly-Ripper”. The left side of the eyelet hole is marked distinctly in the Togia (Lakota) Language “Good Bear” and the solid wood haft, which is secured with two old square head heavy nails, is marked at the with a two band carving which stands for the Raw Meat Necklace Band of the Hunkpapa. The piece very well could have been used at the Battle of the Little Bighorn by Good Bear or his son as it has the correct early blacksmith forged construction to date to circa 1860-1870. The piece comes with the signed letter describing the piece’s history from Wendell Grangaard along with a detailed illustration showing the markings he has translated. Wendell Grangaard is the foremost knowledge on the Togia language along with the Battle of the Little Bighorn as he is the author of the book, “Documenting the Weapons Used at Little Bighorn” 2015. Wendell was also intricate in the authentication and examination of the historic George Armstrong Custer Captured Sharps Carbine from Chief Black Kettle that sold at auction for $127,000. Comes with documentation including a detailed description authenticating the piece signed by Wendell, along with a illustration showing the togia language carvings drawn along with a few images of the piece. This is truly a fantastic authentic original tomahawk with immense authentic history and provenance. Measures overall 16”L with a head that is 6 3/8”L head that has a 2”L blade edge. The piece shows a nice even patina and well preserved condition.