From Foshigarry, North Uist, Outer Hebrides
This bone awl was found at Foshigarry on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. It may have been used in sewing leather, sometime between 200 BC and 800 AD.
Bone awl or piercer from Foshigarry, North Uist, 200 BC - 800 AD
Once skins were cleaned and preserved to form leather, pieces could be cut, then sewed together. First lines of holes were made using awls, then they were sewed together with thread made from plant fibres or animal gut, or with leather thongs.
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