Tools and Weapons:
* Knives and arrowheads: Sharp edges could be flaked from bones, creating cutting tools.
* Spades and digging tools: Strong bones, like those from large animals, could be used as digging implements.
* Spears and clubs: Bones could be sharpened into weapons.
Building and Construction:
* Building materials: Bones, particularly those from large mammals, could be used as structural supports in shelters and houses.
* Decorative elements: Bones could be carved and used for ornamentation.
Art and Jewelry:
* Carvings and sculptures: Bone is a durable material suitable for detailed carvings.
* Beads and ornaments: Bones could be polished and used as beads for jewelry.
Other Uses:
* Fuel: Bones could be burned for fuel, especially when wood was scarce.
* Fertilizer: Crushed bone was used as a source of phosphorus for crops.
* Medicine: Bone marrow has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
Specific Examples:
* The Inuit of the Arctic: Used bone for tools, weapons, and even sled runners.
* Ancient Egyptians: Used bone in construction and for amulets and jewelry.
* Native Americans: Used bone for tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects.
It's important to note that bone use varied greatly depending on the culture and the resources available. In some cases, bone was a crucial material for survival, while in others it was used for more decorative or symbolic purposes.