8. Making Tools from Bone and Stone

With little access to metal, early Alaskans displayed remarkable resourcefulness by crafting essential tools from bones, antlers, and stones. Everything from knives and harpoons to sewing needles was shaped using local materials, perfectly suited for survival in the Arctic. These handmade tools were often lighter and more adaptable than imported metal versions. For more fascinating examples of traditional Arctic tools, visit the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center.



