From Foshigarry, North Uist, Outer Hebrides
![Postcard of Quern handle of bone.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00986556.jpg&PHPSESSID=a7pt2pobb9brfijmru8c0n6p61) 000-100-038-537-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Quern handle of bone
This bone handle was used to turn a rotary quernstone for grinding cereal grain. It was found at Foshigarry on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. It dates from between 200 BC and 800 AD.
The handle would have slotted into a hole in the top of the quernstone.
Quernstones were an essential tool, used in Scotland into the 18th century, especially on rural sites. They were an effective, if laborious, method for grinding corn, especially if small amounts were needed.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-100-038-537-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.GNA 23 |
Date: |
Between 200 BC and 800 AD
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Material: |
Bone, Whalebone; spindle-shaped; roughly cut
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Dimensions: |
4.31" L
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What: |
Quern, rotary / handle
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Subject: |
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Who: |
Beveridge Collection
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Where: |
Scotland, Inverness-shire, North Uist, Foshigarry
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Event: |
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Description: |
Bone handle for a rotary quern, from Foshigarry, North Uist
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References: |
- Hallén, Ywonne. The use of bone and antler at Foshigarry and Bac Mhic Connain, two Iron Age sites on North Uist, Western Isles. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 124 (1994), pp 189-231.
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