10-14-09 bone tools

[larson1951]

the last 2 closeups of tools are of unknown purpose
the first image on top is a rib knife handle
can any one shed some light on what they could be?

I am not referring to the bone awl

the split rib with the notches really has me puzzled

the antler with the lines carved on it could be a broken flaking tool
thanks, Larson1951

[Tnmountains]

Out of my range of knowledge. I suggest a musuem?
Nice to see someone getting out and hunting.

[jpitt1970]

Hi there,
Because of your incredible spot with so much surviving worked bone , i suggest you research anything you can find on composite bows that were used in your area. You (may) be finding parts to them. In the Plains areas they were sometimes made with or without wood cores , incorporating split buffalo rib, horns, or elk antler, with a sinew backing for strength.

Also, Sometimes incised cross hatchings, Xs, etc were used to help adhasives gain a better grip.

I was thinking the same thing..looks tike part of a re-curve bow..you beat me to it M r Brown

[Tnmountains]

Larson
I am sure you know much of this. I thought it was interesting about the people that hunted the Bison in the Dakotas in the winter and how they lived and how life changed with the Bow. Got some maps of your area. They say a winter site may have a 1000 people on it. Good read if you have time.
Later
TnMtns
http://www.google.com/search?q=plain...ient=firefox-a

[The Grim Reaper]

Larson, I have a couple of Bone tools that look just like the two on the bottom of your picture and I always thought they might have been used to pry open mussell shells to get to the meat.

[joshuaream]

TnMnts,

I wonder what the pull on a native bow would have been? If they were only pulling 35 to 45lbs, it would had to have been a really close shot (or 3) with good accuracy to drop a Bison.

Joshua

[larson1951]

thanks dork, the bone tool at the bottom is a pottery tool
the tool just above it is either a flaking tool or a tool used for making quills flat "quill flattener"
I will post a mussell shell tool now

[Tnmountains]

TnMnts,

I wonder what the pull on a native bow would have been? If they were only pulling 35 to 45lbs, it would had to have been a really close shot (or 3) with good accuracy to drop a Bison.

Joshua

Joshua
I thinks you are correct.
I bet it was like a semi automatic for them. Say three guys on an animal each guy gets off maybe two, three quick shots. Maybe six hits bleeding out. They were amazing hunters and you are right maybe 35 to 45 lbs pull. The horse for getting in and out of the herd later on had to double their kill ratio. I bet they were very close also. Larson you ever found any pieces that might have been part of a bow?

[larson1951]

yes tn,
I think img 0410 might be part of a bow
what do you think
jbrown seems to think so

[pickaway]

Really nice artifacts thanks for the look at them...

[Tnmountains]

Larson it looks like where you would knock your string for sure. I guess they would incorporate fresh bone into a bow. I do not know enough about them or their tools.
You have sure showed another side for sure a lot diffrent than these south eastern guys.