Worked bone refers to a type of archaeological artifact that is derived from animal bones and represents the result of human modification through deliberate shaping, carving, or engraving. Such modifications are typically made using tools, such as knives, scrapers, or drills, in order to transform the bone into a desired form for various purposes, including tools, weapons, or decorative objects. This specialized human activity is often associated with early cultures and societies, where bone served as an essential material for crafting objects of practical or symbolic significance.
The process of working bone involves several techniques, such as cutting, polishing, drilling, incising, or scoring, which are applied on different parts of the bone, usually the long bones and antlers. These techniques enable the craftsperson to fashion a range of objects, such as arrowheads, awls, needles, harpoons, combs, jewelry, or gaming pieces. The specific tools, methods, and styles employed in bone working can vary across different time periods, regions, and cultural groups, reflecting the technological and artistic traditions of specific societies.
Archaeologists study worked bone artifacts not only to understand the material culture and skills of past societies, but also to gain insight into their technological advancements, social organization, economic practices, and artistic expressions. These objects provide a tangible and enduring record of the creative capabilities and ingenuity of ancient humans, and they contribute to our understanding of the diverse ways in which our ancestors interacted with the natural world to meet their needs and explore their creativity.
