From Skara Brae, Orkney
This bone cup was found at the site of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney. Traces of red ochre, a yellow or reddish-brown earth used in early paints or dyes, are preserved on the interior. The cup was used sometime between 3100 and 2400 BC.
The small cup was made from a vertebra (a segment of the spinal column) of a fish or sea mammal such as a dolphin or whale. It is damaged.
The settlement of Skara Brae was buried in sand, thus preserving buildings to a large height and a range of every-day objects. The inhabitants of Skara Brae used bone and antler for a range of objects including shovels, awls, pins, knives and even beads.
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.