My thought after looking at this from as many angles as I can think of, is that a person - either Native or Pioneer, found the flint hoe which was not in its original handle, and then placed it in this handle so that they could put it back in use for tending their crops. Whether this was in the 1400's or 1800's is really hard to say without some scientific testing of the leather or wood. There is no doubt in my mind that this item as seen now was used just as it is for its intended purpose - cultivation. One fact that leads me to believe this hoe and handle set are have been together for at least a hundred years is the way that the wood wedge naturally adhered itself to the surface of the flint. My guess, and it is only a guess, is that it would take some time sitting for that to happen.