When a ceramic pot developed a crack American Indians did not always discard the pot, but instead they attempted a repair. This body sherd recovered from an Early Ceramic period site in Elk County and donated to the Kansas Historical Society in 1972 shows how they drilled a conical hole in the pot. A corresponding hole would have been drilled on the other side of the crack. Next sinew or cordage would have been laced between the two to close the crack, hopefully keeping the crack from expanding.