Archaeologists use the term antler sleeve to refer to a short section of deer antler used by prehistoric people in attaching stone axes to wooden handles.
The antler was hollowed out at one end to create a socket for the axehead. The antler sheath was then either perforated and a handle inserted into it or set in a hole made in the handle instead. This was a technological advancement as the antler helped absorb the impact of each axe blow and lessened the chances of breaking the handle.
