Bone, antler, ivory, or animal tusk?

[jmanrizz]

i found this on the beach in the Houston Tx area. It has two holes drilled in it about 2" apart and they are about 1/4" diameter. I am pretty certain it is not bone as it has no porous texture to it. Any thoughts or ideas as to what it was would be greatly appreciated.

[Bone2stone]

Not absolutely sure but this appears to be part of a Net-needle.
Texture does not rule out bone, small pieces of whale bone would not have this "texture".
Two holes one on each end, broken at the holes, these were used to repair fishing nets.
Looks to be ivory netting needle.

Jess B.

[jmanrizz]

Thanks! I will look into netting needles and see if that fits. Another option that I am looking into is that it may be a preform for making fish hooks. The material appears to be something that would be used for the purpose and I have found a single article containing a photo of various stages of hook manufacture. My object fits closely with that.