Bone tool. What was it used for?

[icwildlife]

I found this bone tool while i was hiking. I don't think that indians have been in the area since the earlly 1800s. Does anyone know what this tool may have been used for? The end of bone when it meets bone needs to be smooth (joint). Looks to me that the end of this bone has been worked by hand. Thanks

 

[hbrown22]

Have no clue what it is (still learning), but it's cool!

 

[pippinwhitepaws]

it was used to hold up the deer...

why do you think it is a tool?

 

[timekiller]

Common bones,If I had to take a guess I'd say deer.Of some sort.
Take Care,
Pete,

 

[timekiller]

it was used to hold up the deer...

why do you think it is a tool?

Boy I'm getting good at posting at the same time. Look at are post time.

 

[hbrown22]

What causes the hole and groove all the way down? I've never really studied bones. I'm trying to learn what to look for. I would have thought it was something as well.

 

[timekiller]

What causes the hole and groove all the way down? I've never really studied bones. I'm trying to learn what to look for. I would have thought it was something as well.

Here you go made a post about this a few days or so ago............http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/north-american-artifacts/367151-artery-holes-bones.html

 

[icwildlife]

The end of bone when it meets bone has to be smooth (joint). Looks to me that the end of this bone has been worked by hand.

 

[hbrown22]

Thank you. Guess I'll learn that next term when I have to take anatomy (of animals).

 

[tomclark]

The smooth part (cartilage) has been degraded off, leaving the subsurface of the joint on the ends, hence the ribbed pattern. All normal traits of deer radius

 

[icwildlife]

You're the man Tom. Thank you

 

[larson1951]

that is a very important bone..... it was used to make bone awls
we call them 'pulley awls'
each one was split down the center with the end opposite of the pulley being madesharp with a piece of sandstone they were strong and great and continually used and re-sharpened over and over until the were only about a few inches long
it is cool
i will try to find a few images to post for your perusal

thanks for starting this thread

larson1951

 

[GatorBoy]

All sorts of tools were made from that bone..awls of several types,pins,gouges,even dagger type items.
Here are a couple leftover pieces showing evidence of scoring with a graver.

 

[larson1951]

looks like you beat me to it gator and thanks much

i was looking through my iphoto library for some just now

also welcome to the tnet forum icwildlife

here we are;

 

[GatorBoy]

Nice frames Steve.. it shows several deer bones that were used..looks like some toe bones too...important animal.

 

[monsterrack]

Real nice examples

 

[larson1951]

Nice frames Steve.. it shows several deer bones that were used..looks like some toe bones too...important animal.

View attachment 842876

Real nice examples

hey hey thanks guys

i guess i did not explain the term "pulley awls".....but i kinda think every one sees what i mean

the natural rounded pulley shaped end of the bone required no work
how these could be quickly made into two awls of 6 inch length so quick really lended themselves to probably be made into some of the best awls...........
and must have lasted for years before they got too short to use

larson1951

 

[GatorBoy]

It was probably the side view of a short one of those split in half that looked like a toe bone to me.

 

[icwildlife]

Thank you Larson and Gator boy for the great pics and for taking time to explane it to me. Today I found the data transmitter box from a weather balloon. You never know what's out there just waiting to be found.

 

[GatorBoy]

Good thread wasn't it..thanks Larson.