Bow drill
Antler
Inuit bow drill, from Canada
This is a bow drill, called a 'pitikserak', comprising a piece of bone with a sealskin strap, a drill bit and a mouthpiece. It was made by Inuit people from Coral Harbour, Southampton Island, Canada. It may be made of caribou antler or muskox bone. The mouthpieces of bow drills are usually made from the knee-joint of a caribou.
The sealskin strap is wrapped around the drill, the bow is then moved backwards and forwards very quickly making the drill swivel round to create a hole. The mouthpiece is put on the top of the drill and held in the mouth to keep the drill steady.
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