Hobbies And Interests
Hunting and Defense
Native American tools, such as knife heads, were made from bone or stone. These small tools were often used to hunt or for defense. The blades were shaped according to their duty; throwing knives were molded to the hand, while knives for cutting open a felled animal were fitted for a wooden blade. Arrowheads were also made from bone or stone, and these were attached to a long piece of wood designed for distance hunting.
Homemaking
Tools such as sewing needles and mixing implements were made largely from animal bones. Fish bones made thin, flexible needles for sewing, while the jointed bones of large game made tools with which to crush herbs for cooking. Jointed bones were used to mix herbs for healing potions. These bones were shaped in such a way that they had ready made handles and ends suited for crushing or mixing. Some Native American used fish bones to weave patterned rugs for trading with other tribes and with Europeans.
Stamps
Native American tribes in the North and South American deserts have inspired designed stamps and crafts. Many stamp designs are created to replicate adobe drawings of Native tribes in Mexico and the southwestern United States, as these designs are easily replicated. Many individuals interested in creating patterns reflecting Native Americans will use these stamps to decorate pottery or cloth.