This fascinating insight into their own tools and tool use, shows a variety of purpose, shape and even material, that often goes well beyond what we recognise as a “tool” in the traditional sense.
Stone is one of the few natural materials that does not deteriorate quickly and over the years, large numbers and varieties of stone artifacts that have been found in Algonquin territory which they have catalogued by use. These items were used in hunting, fighting, fishing, building with wood, shaping bone, food preparation, leatherwork, and for decorative or even spiritual purposes.
Although perhaps not directly comparable to lithic assemblages here in the UK, the worth of examining this material is to open the possibilities of what we collect and don’t collect or actively discard during excavations of lithic industry sites.
http://www.thealgonquinway.ca/English/stone-stream-e.php
