Experimental Results of Using the Bone Needle for Punching Rough-Workmanship Hides

Abstract

Purpose. The seemingly simple procedures, the methods of their implementation in remote times may cause heated discussions among the researchers. Bonding of skins and hides is difficult to imagine without the involvement of a needle and thread, but do we always have correct ideas about their use by our predecessors? To a certain extent, this problem is solved by an experiment; the main stages thereof are described in the article. Its purpose is to obtain and analyze the traces of utilization, the dynamics and specificity of their formation on the bone needle (with a tendon-based thread) in the conditions of perforation of a fragment of a roughly treated hide. Results. The study presents the results of making and using a needle made from a mammoth tusks splinter for punching rough-workmanship hides. Particular attention is paid to the description of modification of the tool in the course of this procedure and to discussion of traces of utilization formed on its surface in the process of hundreds of perforation acts. The obtained data make it possible to reasonably discuss the particular stages of both the manufacture and use of similar items, the pace of formation of typical signs of activity on the surface of the tools. Obviously, short-type needles were used for rough hides and skins. Punching of the said material is possible only with cranking (threading) of the tool, which leaves characteristic marks on the tip of the needle; the search of them should be made both on the needles and on the tools accompanying the hide treatment procedure (sharp-pointed tools, piercing tools, cranking tools, pricking tools). Conclusion. The obtained trace samples allow for discussion of the methods for using the needle for punching rough hides. The traces of utilization on the Paleolithic-period needles remain poorly described, which complicates detailed comparison of experimental data and original sources. The needle could undoubtedly be used for punching rough materials, but in this case, it is comparable with compound-functional tools (for punching hides and thread transportation), and the traces of use are comparable with the traces on piercing and cranking tools. The continuation of experiments in this area contributes to the formation of a reference samples base regarding production process traces on the tools used for treatment of hides and skins, which brings us closer to comprehension of production processes of the far-back primitive time, the evolution of functions of the tools we know well, the adjustment of modern tool typologies.