Metal Awl (FOUS 903) - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Metal awls like this one were brought to America by Europeans, who had been using them since the Iron Age. In the Western Hemisphere, American Indians had also used awls to puncture holes into tough animal hides to make clothing and teepees; these awls however were made of bone. Once metal awls became available, American Indians adopted them for their sewing needs.