Bone
material
Animal bone and horn — the material of needles, harpoons, flutes and ornaments.
Where it is used
- Harpoon — is material for. The oldest harpoons (Katanda, ~90,000 years ago) are carved from bone.
- Needle — is material for. The first needles with an eye were carved from bone.
- Flute — is material for. The oldest flutes (Hohle Fels) were carved from bird bone and ivory.
- Fish hook — is material for. Ancient hooks were carved from shell and bone.
- Comb — is material for. Ancient combs were carved from bone and antler.
- Bit and bridle — is material for. Early cheekpieces were carved from antler and bone.
- Ice skates — is material for. The first skates were horse bones with a polished side.
- Dice — is material for. Ancient dice were carved from animal bones.
- Whistle — is material for. Ancient whistles were carved from bone.
- Hairpin — is material for. Ancient hairpins were bone.
- Button — is material for. Ancient buttons were carved from bone and shell.
- Dentures — is material for. With teeth made of bone or real teeth.
- Spectacle frame — is material for. The first frames were made of bone and horn.
- Toothbrush — is material for. Addis’s toothbrush has a bone handle.