Awls

Awls, traditionally made of deer bone, are used in the production of coiled baskets. Weavers use an awl to punch holes through which sewing strands can be threaded. Metal awls also have been used since the introduction of European goods.

Awl

Bone. L 8.5, W 1.8 cm
Yosemite National Park, YOSE 987

Awl

Jennifer Bates
Northern Miwok
1978

Bone. L 22.8, W 3 cm
Yosemite National Park, YOSE 25643

Awl

Bone awl made from a piece of split deer metapoDial, honed to a fine, tapered point on one end and wrapped with strips of buckskin and rawhide on the other.

Bone, buckskin, rawhide. L 20, W 2.3 cm
Yosemite National Park, YOSE 25973

Awl

Rosalie Bethel
Western Mono
1979

Bone. L 22.3, W 1.6 cm
Yosemite National Park, YOSE 26647

Awl

Commercial leatherworking awls with metal points were popular with Mariposa county weavers in the late 1970s. This awl was used by Jennifer bates, Northern Miwok, 1978.

Metal, wood. L 9.7, W 2.6 cm
Yosemite National Park, YOSE 25940