I've been using modern calligraphy pens for quite some time now, but I still wondered how people could think of using an animal part as a common tool. I mean, sure cavemens with animal skin as clothes and such and such, but typically all for survival. So why bird feathers of all things to use everyday? Because they were pretty that's why.
Nah. Although primarily, bird feathers are just pretty, the tip of a bird feather can be cut and shaped into a very effective writing tool. Humans weren't as barbaric as I thought back then. Quill pens were made from feathers of birds that were used for eating. Perhaps there were a few instances that humans would pluck a few feathers for emergency cases? How evil. Can you imagine if someone would just pluck all of your hair off and let you go? If quill pens fancy your interest, make sure they are purchased in a "no-cruelty quill pen shop." Yes, there is such a thing.