ABSTRACT
In the aboriginal culture of southern New England, technology enabled the Indians to meet the challenges of a harsh environment and the threats of human enemies. Technological advances could make common tasks easier and life more comfortable, but they could also increase the bloodshed in forest combat. As contact with white men became common in the early 17th century, Indian technology began to change and new patterns of warfare appeared in the woodlands. European weapons and tools were among the most prized possessions of New England Indians during the 17th century. The Indians used their trade hatchets in close combat, in the construction of fortifications and in countless routine tasks. For military use they much preferred the versatile hatchet over the sword carried by colonial militiamen. Southern New England Indians had many opportunities to learn English craft techniques. The language barrier, which frustrated the first efforts to convert the Indians, had little effect on the transfer of technology between cultures.
