Pins or piercing tools, of bone

These bone pins or piercing tools were found at the site of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney. They were used between 3100 and 2400 BC.

The pins or piercing tools were made from the bones of sheep. Some have been polished smooth. The middle two are broken.

In the almost tree-less Northern Isles, wooden objects are less common than other materials. The inhabitants of Skara Brae used bone and antler for a range of objects including shovels, awls, pins, chisels, knives and even beads.

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