Knife or chisel

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This bronze knife or chisel was found at Luce Sands in Wigtownshire. It was a sharp cutting tool, perhaps for cutting leather, used between 950 and 750 BC.

The knife has a long tang which would have slotted into a handle.

People have made widespread use of animal skins in Scotland since the first settlers came here. Leather was cut into pieces using a variety of sharp tools over the ages. Curved knives were preferred, to minimise the risk of damaging the skin.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-414-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.BH 9097
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Copper alloy; edge crescentic; check on stem
  Chisel / Knife
  
• Dimensions: 2.63" L; edge 1.00" W
  
• What: Chisel / Knife
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Wigtownshire, Stoneykirk, Glenluce Sands
  
• Event:
• Description: Chisel or knife of bronze, with long tang, from Glenluce Sands, Wigtownshire, between 950 and 750 BC
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish Early Bronze Age metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 101 (1968-9), 1-110, esp. p 88. 
• Translations:
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