Page:Excavations at the Kesslerloch.djvu/47

pieces thus cut in two were too broad for an implement, they were again divided in the same manner, but with this difference, that in this latter cut more or less attention was given to the form of the implement required. Thus if it were intended to form an implement with a sharp point, the furrows were made gradually to unite, so as afterwards to save more or less the tedious process of scraping or rubbing down (Plate I. fig. 2). This detailed mode of working the raw material was probably that which was least often used by our cave-dwellers; at all events that mode of working was the more common in which, after the palm, the first main antler, and the points of the upper main 'tynes' had been broken away, the implements required were regularly cut out of the 'beam'; at least the majority of the specimens found of this description seem to bear out this view (Plate III. fig. 10). The greater number of the specimens of horn from the rose-piece, the stumps, the palms, and the first brow-antlers show the clearest indications that the main 'beam' was not taken off behind the first main 'tyne,' which, it stands to reason, would save much time, as when the implements were cut off, the main 'beam' was of itself separated from the lower parts of the horn, which would be thrown aside as useless. But even these were occasionally used as implements, for the remaining part which was cut off immediately under the first brow-antler has been found sharpened into a boring instrument. Again, a considerable number of main branches or 'beams' of reindeer horns cut open lengthwise, and with the usual portion of the inside taken away, show that they were cut out to form tools (Plate II. fig. 5). There can be no doubt about the specimen drawn (Plate I. fig. 3) having been thus intended. It is the broken 'beam' of a horn about 11/4 inch thick and 13 inches long, and on the inner or concave side it looks almost like an implement ready made, which may possibly have come into use as an arrow- or lance-head. Doubtless the outline was first scratched in upon the horn, and afterwards it was cut and worked till the porous part was reached, when the piece entirely broke away, and then the part which was hollowed out as above mentioned was thrown aside as useless. It is a striking fact that the inner concave side of the horn was always chosen to be cut out, possibly because this piece of the horn could be better held and more easily worked during the process of manufacture. If the implements made as above mentioned were curved, they were very probably made straight by means of fire, as is done by the Esquimaux of the present day.