Ancient Egyptian tool may reshape what we know about the civilisation

Researchers re-examined a small copper-alloy object excavated in the 1920s and found wear patterns and leather coils consistent with a bow drill, which could be the earliest known metal drill and suggests rotary drilling was used in Egypt around two millennia earlier than previously documented.

A small copper-alloy implement recovered from an Egyptian excavation in the 1920s has been re-examined and identified as a possible bow drill. The object was originally catalogued as a small awl with leather wrapping. Microscopic analysis of wear patterns and the presence of fragile leather coils prompted researchers to reassess its function. The new reading suggests a mechanically driven rotary action rather than manual twisting or pushing. Key findings: - The object is a tiny copper-alloy shaft first excavated and described in the early 20th century. - Microscopic wear on the shaft is consistent with repeated rotation rather than simple hand use. - Six coils of a fragile leather thong were found with the piece, which researchers interpret as part of a bow-drill winding. - The reassessment was led by scholars including Dr Martin Odler of Newcastle University. - If the identification is correct, the tool would represent rotary drilling two millennia earlier than better-documented drill sets. - Reported likely uses for such drills include woodworking, bead production, and furniture making. Summary: If the tool is confirmed as a bow drill, it suggests Egyptian craftspeople used reliable rotary drilling much earlier than previously documented, prompting a reassessment of the timeline for mechanical tool use. Undetermined at this time.