RecordPlaying piece of antlerFrom the Brough of Birsay, Orkney
Playing piece of antlerThis antler playing piece was found during excavations of the church on the Brough of Birsay in Orkney. It is a well-known type, similar to other examples from Shetland and Greenland. The object dates from around 1100. The conical playing piece with an acorn-shaped head is polished smooth. It has a small hole at the bottom, perhaps designed as a socket for a peg which would have enabled the piece to be used on a gaming board with holes. Viking gaming pieces of bone, amber, glass or stone have been found both in settlements and burials. Various types of games were played, including a type of war game and others involving the use of dice. Record detailsTo search on related items, click any linked text below.
|
|