One of the most important day-to-day living items in many a primitive culture is the bone awl. In some cultures bone awls were so important they were passed down from one generation to the next. They were kept in elaborately decorated sheaths, pouches, or cases. In cultures were metallurgy was understood the bone awl was replaced by a metal awl, but even to this day bone awls are revered by those who understand their historical significance. Awls were used used mostly for sewing, for joining one cloth or animal hide to another for clothing, blankets, and even shelter. Bone awls were also used to repair any ruptures or tares in any of these items. The figure is holding its hands in an attitude of seeking to bring things back together, to restore, to repair.
