Awls played in important role in beadwork production. Female artists artists utilized them for tying knots and threading. Awls are ubiquitous throughout the Plains, made from wood, metal, antler, bone and whatever materials were readily available.

From the Eastern Plains, there survive noteworthy examples of steel pointed awls with intricately carved antler handles. Specimens from 1825-1875 represent some of finest sculpture on offer in Plains Art. Carefully carved, these awls exhibit a wide range of incised designs and carved effigies which would have not only beautiful to the eye, but ergonomic to the user.

The exquisitely carved example shown here has the accession number “A-2016” penned on its top. The awl was collected by ethnologist Clinton Hart Merriam (1855-1945), whose collection today forms an anchor in the Anthropology Museum at UC Davis. This awl was acquired from his heirs.

4.25” tall

Ex Clinton Hart Merriam, CA (1855-1945); handed down by descent; to Gary Spratt, CA (collected 1970s - 2025)

#51033