We know a great deal about the stone tools early Americans made because the stone is still there.

We know almost nothing about the woven and sewn objects that were at least as central to their daily lives, because those objects have not survived.

A bone needle is a durable proxy for the invisible.

The needle itself survives.

The thread it was threaded with does not — sinew or plant fiber that has long since decomposed.

The clothing it was used to sew does not.

The containers or bags it might have contributed to making do not.