Any idea what this might be?

[yardfinds]

My 160 yr. old home was build on a burnt rock midden. I found this bone piece today and scanned it front and back. any idea what it might be?
Thank you!
Sharon

[texasgaltech]

I'm a total novice, but, could it have been some type of brush?

[texasgaltech]

BTW, it's really beautiful!  What an awesome find!

[painshill]

Looks like an early toothbrush to me. Bone was the typical material used. The US patent for toothbrushes was filed in 1857. Prior to that, chew sticks or fingers were used and native Americans didn't use them.
One of you experts is about to show me up and tell us it's part of a porcupine quill brush used for wool-carding in the archaic period. I just feel it in my waters. :S
Roger

[yardfinds]

Interesting!  I hadn't even thought of a brush!

[spanky]

Thinking toothbrush also, came across one that is like yours. Never seen one with that many holes before. It was huge to me, maybe as long as 2in. Wish I would of kept it now would be able to compare them.

[Butch Wilson]

Here is a link

http://www.busaccagallery.com/catalog.php?catid=90&itemid=1317&page=2

Butch

[yardfinds]

Yes!  I'm sure you are right.  I looked at online pics of early toothbrushes and this fits.  Thank you.

[Hoss]

Roger they did so use their fingers! LOL I had too!