Bone industry in anthropology and archaeology refers to the systematic production and use of tools, ornaments, and other artifacts made from animal bone, antler, or ivory. It represents one of the major technological traditions alongside stone (lithic) and shell industries.
🌍 Definition
- Bone Industry: A category of material culture where bone and related organic materials are intentionally shaped into tools, weapons, ornaments, or ritual objects.
- Materials: Long bones, ribs, antlers, tusks, and ivory were commonly selected for their durability and workability.
🔑 Archaeological Contexts
- Paleolithic Europe:
- Upper Paleolithic cultures (Aurignacian, Magdalenian) produced bone needles, harpoons, spear points, and decorative items.
- African Contexts:
- Early Homo sapiens sites show bone points and barbed tools for fishing and hunting.
- North America:
- Archaic and Woodland peoples crafted awls, fishhooks, and ornaments from bone.
- Diagnostic Evidence:
- Cut marks, polish, and shaping distinguish bone tools from ordinary faunal remains.
📚 Importance in Anthropology
- Technological Insight: Bone industries reveal specialized craftsmanship beyond stone toolmaking.
- Subsistence Strategies: Tools like harpoons and fishhooks show adaptation to aquatic environments.
- Cultural Identity: Decorative bone artifacts (beads, pendants) highlight symbolic and aesthetic traditions.
- Comparative Value: Bone industries complement lithic industries, showing multi-material technological systems.
- Material Culture Link: Bone tools connect subsistence (hunting animals) with technology (repurposing bones).
In short: The bone industry is the prehistoric tradition of crafting tools, ornaments, and weapons from bone, antler, and ivory, reflecting both technological adaptation and cultural expression.
