microdrill

The microdrill was the only thing that changed during the drilling process; the tip was worn down to a nub.

Interactive Dig Hierakonpolis - Hierakonpolis 2009 - Field Note 3 2002

Tools of the trade: the microdrill set into its handle and the fixing stone for holding the bead in place for drilling.

Interactive Dig Hierakonpolis - Hierakonpolis 2009 - Field Note 3 2002

Having made some beads of his own under the direction of these modern producers, he applied this experience to the microdrill experiment.

Interactive Dig Hierakonpolis - Hierakonpolis 2009 - Field Note 3 2002

Installing the carnelian blank carefully into its sandstone holder, I tried to bore it with the flint microdrill tool.

Interactive Dig Hierakonpolis - Hierakonpolis 2009 - Field Note 3 2002

Not all of the raw materials were available to us, but using what we could, we decided to begin with the softest materials and work upward to see just what a flint microdrill could do.

Interactive Dig Hierakonpolis - Hierakonpolis 2009 - Field Note 3 2002

A microdrill close up; tiny flint perforators apparently for bead making.

Interactive Dig Hierakonpolis - Hierakonpolis 2009 - Field Note 3 2002

Despite the evidence of the associated raw materials, few are willing to commit on the function of the microdrill.

Interactive Dig Hierakonpolis - Hierakonpolis 2009 - Field Note 3 2002

In order to use the microdrill, the flint tool was set into the split end of a wooden handle and held in place with string.

Interactive Dig Hierakonpolis - Hierakonpolis 2009 - Field Note 3 2002