Knife

Add to album

This flint knife was found in a large chambered cairn at Midhowe on Rousay in Orkney, together with fragments of six pots. The tomb was used as a communal burial place, and contained remains of over 25 individuals as well as bones of animals, birds and fish.

The knife has a rounded tip and curving sides. Small flakes had been removed from around its upper side to create a sharp edge.

Many of Scotland's early farming communities buried their dead in communal tombs. Various offerings for the afterlife were included, such as food, in pots or as joints of meat, and everyday possessions such as flint arrowheads and tools.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-035-366-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.EO 459
• Date: Between 3500 and 2700 BC
  
• Material: Flint, brown, mottled
  
• Dimensions: 2.06" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Midhowe Cairn
  
• Event:
• Description: Knife of mottled brown flint, from Midhowe Cairn, Rousay, Orkney
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp 24, 235. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: