Drill Bow Item Number: Na1136 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Curved, dense, brown, bow-shaped bone with hole at one end, broken at the other.

History Of Use

Bow drills are used for piercing holes in walrus ivory, bone, antler and wood. The drill is revolved rapidly by wrapping a rawhide thong twice around the drill shaft. The thong is attached to a bow which is drawn back and forth thus rotating the drill. To keep the drill stable, the distal end is often held in a mouthpiece.

Cultural Context

manufacturing