The idea that it was "shaped" at that period is an unknown. Sounds like a canoe/boat paddle.
So if I go down to the NY/Penn border, grab a 200 year old piece of wood, carve a totem pole, I have a 200 year old totem pole. Of course, I'd age it a bit first by burying it.
5 posted on 12/15/2011 9:45:53 AM PST by Sacajaweau