Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 204:
4 1/4" Prehistoric Native American Bone Awl, Long Tapered Form
A finely made prehistoric Native American bone awl, shaped from a section of long bone and worked to a long even taper terminating in a sharp functional point. The wider rounded butt end shows intentional smoothing for hand comfort, while the shaft exhibits the polish and surface sheen characteristic of repeated use in hide working, basketry, and general craft tasks. Awls of this form were essential multipurpose tools throughout the prehistoric Great Basin and surrounding regions, used for piercing leather, sewing, weaving, and producing cordage and basketry materials.
The surface displays a rich natural patina with well developed edge rounding and smoothing from prolonged handling and use. The contours remain crisp where expected, yet softened in high wear areas, reflecting authentic prehistoric workmanship rather than modern shaping. The bone retains its stable aged surface with no signs of restoration, repair, or recent modification.
This is an excellent and well preserved example of a classic prehistoric bone awl, showing the practical craftsmanship and everyday tool traditions of Indigenous peoples of the interior West.
Provenance: Late Chuck Asher Collection.
Condition: Authentic
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