I once read that a sewing kit rated as the number one survival item for indigenous people living in the Arctic.   Being a warm-weather dweller, I was amazed not to see a knife in the primary position, but it makes sense when you consider that torn clothing – a minor inconvenience in temperate climates – could actually kill you in the Arctic.

Here is an example from the Inuit Contact and Colonization Project.

These ivory needle cases contain copper needles stored in pieces of skin, and thimbles. These are pulled in and out of the case by an ivory blade that also can be used to attach the case to a woman’s amauti so that it is always close at hand. There is also an awl pictured here.

Very cool!