Archaeological Objects

Anthropology

1876 - 1900

Alaska

Arctic

Eskimo

implements

Indian

Indians

Native American

Saint Lawrence Island

tools

Drill Base

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Fire Drill Base

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Native American; Inuit

Anthropology Item Information

Fire drill base.&nbsp; Living in the frigid north, the ability to quickly start a fire was a critical life skill. Hunters or anyone who was away from camp would carry a fire drill base to help them quickly start a fire in a short time with minimal flammable material.
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This was used with a drill rod to create a fire. One would twist the rod with an end in one of the holes in the base using a drill bow. This would create friction and sparks would fly from the drill base onto the tinder below.

Ivory fire drill base