Have you identified what species and element the bone is?
I have seen objects like this used in hide working. They used a very
similar object to string a hide around a frame. A knife was used to make
small cuts in the hide, and then the bone was used like a needle (a very
large needle) to thread rope through the holes and around a wooden frame
to stretch and dry the hide.
Sandra.
-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Maria ODonovan
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 10:31 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Artifact identification
Hello Everyone:
Our fieldschool has found an object in a midden deposit at a 19th
century
residential site. We have a few ideas about what it is but would
appreciate
any help you could give. A photo of the object is on photo bucket at:
http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx206/CommunityArchaeology/mysteryart
ifact.jpg
Thanks,
Maria
--
Maria O'Donovan, PhD
Assistant to the Director
Historical Archaeology
Public Archaeology Facility
Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
Phone: (607) 777-4786
Fax: (607) 777-2288