Bonework

/ˈboʊnˌwɜrk/ noun

Definition

Decorative or functional items made from bone, or the craft and technique of working with bone as an artistic or practical material.

Etymology

Compound of 'bone' + 'work,' describing objects made from bone and the labor involved. Bonework traditions are ancient, appearing across cultures from Paleolithic times onward.

Kelly Says

Bonework is one of humanity's oldest crafts—archaeologists have found bone ornaments and tools from over 40,000 years ago, making it older than pottery or metalworking! Every culture learned to carve bone because it was durable and available.

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