Bone Lissoir

Synonyms

Smoother; Similar tools are also called Slickers and Burnishers in modern leather-work

Definition

A leather-working tool constructed out of an animal bone.

Introduction

The bone lissoir was a tool that was speculated to be used by Neanderthals. The primary function of this tool was increasing the pliability and water resistance of hides or skins.

The Bone Lissoir and Its Importance

The bone lissoir was first discovered in France and is considered to be one of the first specialized tools used by Neanderthals. It is a simple tool consisting of a curved bone, such as a rib, that has one end shaped to a rounded, curved end. The choice of a bone for this tool was ideal, primarily due to the fact that bones are somewhat flexible and would not break as easily as other materials. The use of wood would most likely be less than ideal, as chances are it would snap easier than bone. Furthermore, the use of stone tools such as handaxes would certainly rip or damage the hide, thus rendering...