ToolsThe material culture of the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en societies includes many artifacts that were fashioned either of stone or by stone tools. Since stone artifacts are one of the least perishable elements of these early cultures, they tend to be the most common items found in archaeological sites. 
The manufacture of stone tools was carried out by two major techniques:
flaking (or chipping) and a combination of pecking, grinding and
polishing. The specific techniques used are dependent upon the type
of stone being worked. A person’s tools, especially those used
for carving, were very personal items. Each was made to fit the
owner’s hands and his way of working. The craftsman often carved
the handles with crest figures.
The oldest item in the ‘Ksan collection is a club thought to be around 3500 years old. It was found many years ago in a field on a terrace of the Bulkley River at the site of an ancient Gitxsan village. It is remarkable for the fine craftsmanship with which it was made. The fine fluting which decorates the body along the sides and the belly is masterfully done. The birds head may be that of an owl or possibly a hawk - both of which were said to be messengers from the spirit world.
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