Experimental Study yields insight into possible use of Pulli bone tools

 

An experimental study was used to gain insights on the purpose served by bone tools uncovered from Pulli, the oldest known settlement in present Estonia. These tools were discovered in 1960s and 1970s and dated to be 10,000 years old. Initially, they were thought to be chisels.

The researchers created replicas of the discovered tools and used the replicas for wood working and meat processing. The wear of the tools was later microscopically analyzed. The wear on actual tools matched the wear pattern on tools used to remove fresh pine bark.

The researchers believe that the Pulli elk bone tools were used to remove pink bark which may have been later utilized to make tool handles, cordage or floats for fishing nets.

This report was published in Bone & Bronze.

Further Reading:

Experimental archeology reveals possible function of ancientbeveled sticks