Thread

This thread was made from the sinew of a red deer. Such thread must have been used by Scotland's earliest people for a variety of tasks, although no direct evidence survives. It is shown wrapper around a deer bone.

Early people cut the sinew from the legs of a deer and dried it. Then they beat it with a hammer to make it split into fibres. These fibres were picked apart by hand and then dipped into cold water or licked to make the fibres soft again. Then they were twisted or spun together to make a strong thread. This thread was used for many purposes, including stitching clothes, making necklaces, strings on a bow or for attaching arrow flights.

Modern attempts to duplicate the skills and objects of early people have led to increased understanding - and respect - for their methods. Such reconstructions also help archaeologists interpret the discovered remains.

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