The animals were stunned with a strong blow to the forehead with various types of clubs, a technique that was not always effective due to the precision and firmness required to deliver the blow in such a way as to stun the animal to be killed.
Over time, awl systems were gradually introduced that required the animal to wear a device (mask, halter, etc.) equipped with a protruding punch that, when struck with a mallet or similar instrument, allowed for greater precision and effectiveness of the blow inflicted.