Do you want to learn about drilled Indian artifacts? Are you interested in learning how drilled Indian artifacts were made? Read our guide for more facts and information…
Most Indian artifacts that have holes in them have been created through a drilling process. When these artifacts were made modern technology did not exist; so, creating a hole particularly in a stone tool was challenging and time consuming. The Indians, however, were able to achieve what modern drills do using natural tools and exercising a little patience. Drilled artifacts were created by spinning a small tool between one’s hands and utilizing sand as an abrasive. The tool that was used in this process was typically either a narrow pointed stone or the more preferred piece which was a hardened wooden stick or piece of bone. The tool was then spun on one side of the artifact until the beginning of a hole was created. Once the hole was partially formed the artifact was turned over and the process continued on the other side to complete the passage. The hole that was created in the artifacts through this process was largest in the middle of the artifact.
The Indians also produced drilled artifacts using another similar method. The Indians discovered how to create larger holes than the ones created by the traditional process described above. It was learned that by using a hollow bone or reed, in combination with water and sand, larger holes would be produced. By utilizing a hollow tool the drilled artifacts also produced a cylinder of rock that was removed from the artifact. These rock cylinders have been found alongside many Indian artifacts.
The most common form of drilled artifacts are pieces of Indian jewelry. Artifacts including beads, ear spools, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings were created through drilling. The beads created in drilling were also commonly added to pieces of jewelry that may not have been drilled as a separate piece. By producing drilled artifacts the Indians were able to create a suspended pendant as a cord could be threaded through the hole. Jewelry was important in Indian culture as it was not only used to enhance one’s appearance but was also likely indicative of status.
Other Drilled Artifacts
Jewelry is the most commonly discovered drilled artifact; however, there are many other drilled artifacts that exist. The drilling process was utilized to create musical instruments such as the flute or other reed like tools. These instruments were important in ceremonies and general celebration. Pipes were also created with the help of drilling. These drilled artifacts were used in ceremonies as well as for general use. The drilling process was also partially used to create tools such as bowls or pots. These artifacts were created simply by only drilling on one side of the artifact and not completing the process. It was also common in Indian culture to drill holes in artifacts and to fill these holes with paint for decoration.