Ancient Bone Tools: Needles, Awls, Chisels, and Hairpins

December 12, 2023

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Bone needles, bone awls, bone chisels, bone hairpins

Description: Neolithic Age. Made of bone, these tools were used for production, daily life, and medical purposes. Currently held in the Museum of Medical History at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.

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Bone needle (with needle tube)

Description: Neolithic Age. Dated back over 5000 years, this artifact was unearthed in the eastern suburbs of Baotou, Inner Mongolia in 1980. The longest needle measures 10.5cm, while the shortest measures 3.8cm. The needle tube is 15.3cm long and made from animal bones. It is suspected to be a replica.

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Bone needle

Description: Neolithic Age. Excavated from the Daxi site in Wushan, Sichuan. The lengths of the two needles are 16cm and 9.2cm respectively. Both have sharp tips, smooth bodies, and no holes at the ends. Currently held in the Museum of Medical History at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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Bone needle

Description: Unearthed from Majiayao in Lintao County, Gansu.

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