In the rich tapestry of human history, few gestures carry the profound symbolism of burying weapons to signify peace. The phrase “where the axe is buried” connects to the more common idiom “bury the hatchet,” both representing the ancient practice of literally placing weapons into the earth as a powerful commitment to ending hostilities. This article explores the origins, cultural significance, and evolving meaning of this powerful peace ritual that has transcended time and cultures.
The Indigenous Origins of Weapon Burial Ceremonies
The Iroquois Confederacy and the Birth of a Peace Tradition
The practice of burying weapons as a symbol of peace finds its most documented roots among the Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly within the formation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. This powerful alliance, formed before European contact, united five (later six) Indigenous nations in what is now the northeastern United States and parts of Canada.
According to Haudenosaunee tradition, weapons were literally buried in the ground to symbolize that hostilities had ceased. The most famous instance involved the founding of the Iroquois Confederacy, when warring tribes came together under the guidance of Dekanawida, known as the Peace-giver, and his spokesperson Hiawatha. Together, they convinced the Five Nations (the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca) to stop fighting amongst themselves and form a confederacy for mutual protection and prosperity.
During this historic peace agreement, weapons were buried beneath the roots of a white pine tree, which became known as the Tree of Peace. As described in historical documents, they would “hurl the hatchet so far into the depths of the earth that it shall never again be seen in the future.” This symbolic burial of weapons represented a profound commitment to lasting peace.
The Ceremonial Significance of Buried Weapons
The weapon burial ceremonies were far more than simple gestures—they represented sacred commitments backed by spiritual significance. For many Indigenous nations, these ceremonies involved elaborate rituals that reflected their deep spiritual connection to both the natural world and the maintenance of social harmony.
When axes, tomahawks, or other weapons were buried, it wasn’t merely the physical object being put into the ground, but the spirit of conflict itself. The location where these weapons were buried became sacred ground, a permanent reminder of the peace agreement made there. The buried weapons served as both a physical anchor for the agreement and a spiritual bond between the participating tribes.
Tomahawks, Hatchets, and Axes: The Weapons of War and Peace
The Evolution of Indigenous Weapons
Before understanding the full significance of burying these weapons, it’s important to recognize their central role in Indigenous cultures. Stone axes were among the earliest tools created by Indigenous peoples of North America. These multipurpose implements served as both essential tools for daily survival and as weapons when needed.
With European contact came significant changes to Indigenous weaponry. European metal-working technologies introduced iron and steel blades that were adopted and adapted by Indigenous craftspeople. The trade tomahawk—a metal-headed axe inspired by European designs but modified for Indigenous preferences—became particularly significant.
| Weapon Type | Material | Primary Uses | Ceremonial Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Axe | Stone, wood | Woodcutting, combat | Earliest ceremonial burial implement |
| War Club | Wood, stone | Close combat | Symbol of authority and power |
| Tomahawk | Metal, wood | Versatile tool, combat | Most common buried peace symbol |
| Pipe Tomahawk | Metal, wood | Smoking, ceremony, combat | Dual symbol of war/peace options |
| Hatchet | Metal, wood | Tool, combat | European-influenced peace symbol |
The Symbolic Duality of the Pipe Tomahawk
Perhaps no Indigenous weapon better symbolizes the duality of war and peace than the pipe tomahawk. This ingenious adaptation merged a smoking pipe with a functional tomahawk, creating a tool that served as both a weapon and a ceremonial peace pipe. One end represented war, the other peace—making it a perfect symbolic tool for peace negotiations.
As noted by historians, pipe tomahawks were “symbols of the choice Europeans and Native Americans faced whenever they met: one end was the pipe of peace, the other an axe of war.” This duality made the burial of such a weapon particularly meaningful, as it represented the conscious choice to embrace peace over conflict.
Historical Documentation of Axe Burial Ceremonies
Early European Accounts
European colonists first documented axe burial ceremonies in the 17th century. One of the earliest recorded instances comes from 1644, noted in Jesuit Relations, where Indigenous leaders proclaimed their desire “to unite all the nations of the earth and to hurl the hatchet so far into the depths of the earth that it shall never again be seen in the future.”
Samuel Sewall, a prominent colonial figure (later known for his role in the Salem witch trials), wrote in 1680 about witnessing a ceremony between Major Pynchon and Mohawk leaders in Albany. He described how they “came to an agreement and buried two Axes in the Ground; one for English another for themselves; which ceremony to them is more significant & binding than all Articles of Peace, the hatchet being a principal weapon with them.”
Treaty Ceremonies Between Nations
The burial of weapons became a prominent feature in peace treaties, both between Indigenous nations and in agreements with European powers. In 1761, following the French and Indian War, the Micmac people buried the hatchet with the British to signify peace. This ceremony marked a significant political realignment as the Micmac had previously been aligned with the French.
An especially poignant ceremony occurred in 1926—fifty years after the Battle of Little Bighorn—when Sioux Chief White Bull and General Edward Settle Godfrey symbolically buried the hatchet at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Garryowen, Montana. This ceremony attempted to heal the deep wounds of that historic conflict, demonstrating how the tradition maintained its power well into the 20th century.
Where Were the Axes Actually Buried?
Sacred Locations and Their Significance
The precise locations where axes and other weapons were buried held tremendous significance to the participating nations. These weren’t random spots but carefully chosen places that held spiritual or political importance.
Among the most sacred locations was beneath the Tree of Peace, a great white pine that symbolized the Iroquois Confederacy. According to tradition, weapons were buried beneath its roots, and the tree “had four symbolic roots, the Great White Roots of Peace, spreading north, east, south, and west.” This tree was planted in Onondaga territory, the central nation of the confederacy, making it a geographical and spiritual center of Indigenous diplomacy.
Other significant burial locations included:
- Boundary markers between tribal territories
- Council grounds where leaders regularly met
- Riverbanks and shorelines symbolizing the flow of peace
- Mountaintops visible to multiple communities
Archaeological Evidence of Buried Weapons
While historical accounts clearly document the practice of weapon burial, archaeological evidence presents a more complex picture. Ceremonially buried weapons are relatively rare in the archaeological record for several reasons. First, many ceremonies may have occurred at locations that haven’t been excavated. Second, the spiritual significance of these sites meant they were often left undisturbed rather than being marked in ways that would attract attention.
Nevertheless, some archaeological finds have confirmed aspects of these traditions. Excavations at council grounds and treaty sites have occasionally uncovered ceremonial weapons that appear to have been deliberately placed rather than simply lost or discarded. These finds provide tangible connections to the historical accounts and living traditions of Indigenous peoples.
The Linguistic Journey: From Literal to Figurative
How “Burying the Hatchet” Entered Common Language
The literal practice of burying weapons gradually transformed into a powerful metaphor for reconciliation that transcended cultural boundaries. By the late 18th century, the phrase “bury the hatchet” had begun to appear in English-language publications, signaling its transition into broader usage.
An early example of this linguistic crossover appears in a letter written by John Jay to Lord Grenville after the signing of their 1794 treaty. Jay wrote: “To use an Indian expression, may the hatchet be henceforth buried for ever, and with it all the animosities, which sharpened, and which threatened to redden it.” This shows how the phrase was explicitly acknowledged as borrowed from Indigenous expression but was being adopted into diplomatic language.
The Axe vs. The Hatchet: Terminology Variations
While “bury the hatchet” became the dominant expression in English, variations including “bury the axe” and “bury the tomahawk” also appeared in historical documents. These variations reflect both the diversity of Indigenous weapon terminology and the challenges of translation between languages.
Interestingly, the term “hatchet” eventually prevailed over “tomahawk” in the popular idiom, despite “tomahawk” being more specifically associated with Indigenous cultures. Linguistic scholars suggest this may be because the word “hatchet” was more familiar to European audiences, making the phrase more accessible as it entered common usage.
| Phrase Variation | First Documented | Common Usage Period | Cultural Association |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bury the Tomahawk | 1705 | Early 18th century | Closest to original Indigenous terms |
| Bury the Hatchet | 1680s | 18th century to present | Most widespread in modern English |
| Bury the Axe | Early 19th century | 19th-20th centuries | Less common variation |
| Where the Axe is Buried | 19th-20th centuries | Modern variation | Refers to the location of peace |
Beyond North America: Weapon Burial Across Cultures
Universal Symbols of Peace Through Disarmament
While the tradition of burying weapons is most extensively documented among Indigenous North American cultures, similar practices exist across human civilizations. The symbolic laying down or destroying of weapons to signify peace appears in cultures from ancient Mesopotamia to medieval Europe.
These cross-cultural similarities suggest a universal human understanding that true peace requires more than words—it needs tangible actions and symbols that demonstrate a commitment to ending violence. Whether through burying weapons, breaking them, or transforming them into tools, the physical act of disarmament carries powerful symbolic weight across human societies.
Contemporary Echoes of Ancient Traditions
The symbolic power of buried weapons continues to resonate in modern peace movements and international diplomacy. The United Nations’ sculpture “Non-Violence” (commonly known as “the knotted gun”) echoes the ancient practice of rendering weapons harmless as a symbol of peace. Similarly, programs that transform guns into garden tools draw upon the biblical concept of beating “swords into plowshares”—a parallel to the Indigenous practice of burying weapons.
These modern manifestations demonstrate how the fundamental symbolism of surrendering the means of violence remains a powerful concept in human efforts toward peace and reconciliation.
The Spiritual Dimension: Weapons as Sacred Objects
The Dual Nature of War Tools
For many Indigenous cultures, weapons possessed a dual nature—they were both practical tools for survival or warfare and spiritually charged objects connected to both protection and harm. This dual nature made their ceremonial burial particularly significant, as it represented the conscious choice to set aside not just the physical weapon but its spiritual power as well.
War clubs, tomahawks, and axes were often adorned with symbols that connected them to spiritual power, making them more than mere tools. When such objects were ceremonially buried, it represented a profound spiritual transformation from conflict to harmony.
Medicine Shields and Ceremonial Weapons
Not all Indigenous weapons were designed for physical combat. Some, like medicine shields, served primarily spiritual functions. These lighter shields were “carried not to stop arrows, but to channel supernatural protection.” They were decorated with symbols representing a warrior’s spiritual journey and connection to protective forces.
Similarly, some ceremonial tomahawks and axes were created specifically for peace ceremonies rather than combat. These elaborate items might include intricate carvings, inlaid materials, or attached elements like feathers and beads that signified their sacred rather than martial purpose.
The Tree of Peace: Where Many Axes Were Buried
The White Pine as a Living Monument
Central to the Haudenosaunee tradition of buried weapons is the Tree of Peace—a great white pine that served as both the literal and symbolic center of the confederacy. According to tradition, weapons were buried beneath its roots, and the tree itself became a living monument to peace.
The Tree of Peace symbolism included:
- Four white roots extending in the cardinal directions, representing peace spreading in all directions
- An eagle perched at the top, watching for dangers to the peace
- Branches providing shelter for nations that wished to join the confederacy
This powerful symbol demonstrates how the burial of weapons connected to broader concepts of governance, protection, and the natural world in Indigenous thought.
Contemporary Tree of Peace Ceremonies
The tradition of the Tree of Peace continues in contemporary Indigenous communities. Many universities and public institutions now host Peace Tree ceremonies that connect to these ancient traditions, often inviting Indigenous leaders to preside over the planting and blessing of these living monuments.
West Virginia University, for example, established a Peace Tree in 1992, and when it was vandalized in 1996, a new tree was planted by Mohawk Chief Jake Swamp. These contemporary ceremonies demonstrate the living nature of these traditions and their continued relevance in promoting intercultural understanding and peace.
Modern Interpretations: Finding Where the Axe is Buried Today
Reconciliation in Contemporary Politics
The concept of “burying the hatchet” remains powerfully relevant in modern conflict resolution. From international diplomacy to community disputes, the language and symbolism of laying down weapons continues to frame how we think about making peace.
One contemporary example can be found in Georgetown, Delaware, where a “burying of the hatchet” ceremony is performed after each Election Day by the county chairs of the Democratic and Republican parties. This ritual acknowledges the sometimes bitter conflicts of campaign season and symbolizes the commitment to work together for the common good afterward.
Personal Applications: Burying Our Metaphorical Axes
Beyond political applications, the concept of “burying the hatchet” has become a powerful personal metaphor for ending conflicts in families, workplaces, and communities. Understanding where our metaphorical “axes are buried”—recognizing the sources of past conflicts and consciously choosing to move beyond them—offers a framework for personal and interpersonal healing.
The enduring power of this metaphor demonstrates how Indigenous wisdom about conflict resolution continues to provide valuable guidance in our complex modern world.
The Ethical Dimension: Cultural Appreciation vs. Appropriation
Acknowledging Indigenous Origins
As we explore the rich tradition of burying weapons for peace, it’s essential to acknowledge its Indigenous origins with respect and accuracy. The phrase “bury the hatchet” is sometimes used without awareness of its cultural significance, potentially diminishing the profound spiritual and political dimensions it held for its originators.
Some institutions, including Stanford University, have noted concerns about the casual use of this phrase, considering it potentially problematic when divorced from its cultural context. This perspective encourages us to use such phrases with awareness of their origins and significance.
Alternatives and Respectful Usage
For those concerned about respectful usage, several alternative phrases carry similar meanings without the same potential for cultural appropriation:
- “Make peace”
- “Reconcile differences”
- “Let bygones be bygones”
- “Start with a clean slate”
- “Make amends”
However, using the original phrase with proper acknowledgment of its Indigenous origins can also serve as an opportunity for cultural education and appreciation rather than appropriation.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Where the Axe is Buried”
Where did the phrase “bury the hatchet” originate?
The phrase “bury the hatchet” originated from the literal practice of Indigenous peoples in North America, particularly the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, who would ceremonially bury weapons to symbolize the end of hostilities and the beginning of peace. This practice was documented by European colonists as early as the 1640s, though the tradition existed long before European contact.
Is “where the axe is buried” the same as “bury the hatchet”?
“Where the axe is buried” is a variation of the more common phrase “bury the hatchet.” While “bury the hatchet” focuses on the action of making peace, “where the axe is buried” emphasizes the location or ground of reconciliation—the specific place or circumstances where peace was established. Both phrases derive from the same Indigenous practice of burying weapons as a peace symbol.
What’s the difference between an axe, hatchet, and tomahawk?
While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:
- An axe is typically larger with a long handle, designed primarily for cutting wood
- A hatchet is a smaller, one-handed axe often used for both tool purposes and as a weapon
- A tomahawk is specifically a Indigenous American weapon/tool, usually lighter than a hatchet and sometimes incorporating other features like a pipe bowl
In the context of peace ceremonies, any of these weapons might be buried, though historical accounts most commonly mention hatchets and tomahawks.
Are there physical locations where weapons were ceremonially buried that can be visited today?
While many historical weapon burials were not marked in ways that would allow precise identification today, some locations associated with major peace treaties preserve this heritage. The Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada maintains sites connected to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s founding peace. Similarly, locations like Treaty Grounds at various historic sites sometimes mark places where ceremonial weapon burials may have occurred.
Is the practice of burying weapons for peace still performed today?
Contemporary versions of weapon burial ceremonies continue in some Indigenous communities, particularly in cultural revitalization contexts. Modern adaptations include the Georgetown, Delaware tradition where political party leaders ceremonially “bury the hatchet” after elections. While the literal burial of weapons is less common today, the symbolic gesture and its meaning remain relevant in conflict resolution practices around the world.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Buried Weapons
The tradition of burying weapons as a symbol of peace represents one of humanity’s most profound symbolic gestures toward reconciliation and harmony. From its origins in Indigenous North American diplomacy to its current place in our shared cultural vocabulary, this practice reminds us that peace requires more than words—it demands concrete actions and enduring commitments.
As we reflect on where the axes of our conflicts lie buried, we connect to an ancient wisdom that recognized how the symbolic transformation of weapons—from instruments of harm to buried artifacts of a resolved past—can help human communities move from conflict to cooperation. In a world still struggling with divisions and violence, this enduring symbol offers both practical wisdom and hope for our shared future.
The next time you hear someone speak of “burying the hatchet” or wonder “where the axe is buried” in a particular conflict, remember the deep cultural roots and profound wisdom embedded in these phrases. They carry not just a suggestion for conflict resolution but connect us to centuries of human efforts to transform hostility into harmony through meaningful symbolic actions.
