Medieval sewing needle made of real bone.
Handcrafted replica of a bone sewing needle based on a historical find from the Viking Age.

Bone needles like this one were already used in the Stone Age, and they were widespread among Celts and Romans, as well as among Germanic peoples and Vikings until the Middle Ages. Even in medieval times, the bone needle was used to sew coarser garments.

Medieval bone needles were valuable and precious. They were carefully stored, e.g. in needle boxes, and were thus protected from damage or loss.

Sewing needles made of bone were simply an inexpensive alternative to the costly needles made of bronze or iron in early times and are therefore often found in archaeological finds.

The replica of this bone needle measures approx. 8 x 0.5 cm and a hole of 5 x 1 mm.