Forty-one specimens, fragmentary and complete, were classified as awls.
These were segregated into four principal types, classified on the
basis of form, type of bone utilized, size, and extent of polish. The
most numerous type are those which retained the head or epiphesis of
the bone (see Kidder, 1932). It is probable that two subtypes of this
category may be recognized on the basis of size and extent of polish.
The first comprises one complete and seven broken specimens (see
Fig. 53). The former is a long slender implement of deer metatarsal,
tapering to a fine point with a circular-section. It is 8⅜ inches in
length and ¾ inches in its greatest diameter. Polish extends the full
length and circumference, and the “head” has been altered by four
intersecting V-shaped grooves, forming a cross. The remaining seven
include two with the head intact, and five points and midsections
classified with the above because of the overall workmanship. The most
complete measures 6¼ inches in length without the head. Technologically
this group is marked by primary abrasion parallel to the long axis and
secondary work at right angles to it. There are numerous instances of
the transverse cutting across the longitudinal striae, suggesting that
the former was the finishing process. Though positive identification
is in several instances impossible, most appear to have been made from
deer metatarsals. All except one were located below 84 inches. The
exception is of interest. It is a specimen about three inches long,
subjected to calcination and subsequent patination all over, except
for a section midway along its length that retains its natural color.
It seems possible that this area had been bound with leather or some
foreign substance which affected the weathering of the specimen.
The second subdivision of the type retaining the head is characterized
by a greater width relative to length, and the more restricted extent
of polish. The three complete specimens range from 3⅞ to 5¼ inches
in length, and up to 1⅛ inches in greatest diameter. Polish extends
only a short distance beyond the point, which has an oval flattened
cross-section. All abrasion scratches are parallel to the short axis.
These were manufactured respectively from a bison rib, a metapodial and
metatarsal of mule deer (_Odocoileus hemionus_).
The second major type is that of “splinter awls”; it also may be
subdivided. The first subdivision consists of 5 splinters of large
mammal bone, sharpened at one end. Complete pieces range from 3½ to 4⅜
inches in length and from ⅜ to ¾ inches in greatest width. The second
group of six pieces is similar, but the working end is rounded and
flattened rather than sharp. They range from 2⅞ inches to 3½ inches
long and from ⅜ to 1 inch in width. Abrasion in both groups was at
a high angle to the long axis, and in some cases produced a faceted
appearance.
The third type comprises three awls made of small mammal bones, two
retaining the heads, the third without. These exhibit sharpened points.
The longest is 4 inches, the smallest, one inch long.
The final type comprises five very small splinters of bone from ⅝ to
one inch in length. One is of bird bone, the others of small mammal
bones. Each is sharpened on one end, blunted or rounded on the other.
It is possible that these were hafted. Their size and shape makes it
unlikely that they could have been employed in the hand alone.
There was undoubtedly some difference in the use of these different
types of tools. Perhaps the longer finer ones were employed in the
manufacture of basketry, while the sharpened splinters served best as
hide perforators.