A Review of Late Pleistocene North American Bone and Ivory Tools

Osseous (bone and ivory) rods dating to the Early Paleoindian period (ca. 13,300–11,900 calendar years before present) have been found over much of North America. Previous researchers have attributed several possible functions to these artifacts, including use as projectile points, as foreshafts, as pressure-flaker handles, as sled shoes, and as levered hafting wedges. Considering the important link that osseous rods provide between the late Pleistocene cultures of North America and the Upper Paleolithic cultures of Europe and Asia, it is crucial that archaeologists define the range of variation and possible functions represented in the North American osseous rods. In this chapter we provide an up-to-date review of the distribution of late Pleistocene osseous rods across North America; describe the range of variation in morphology and attributes associated with this sample; and discuss the possible range of functions represented.