Record
Sickle blade
from Pierowall, Westray, Orkney
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This iron sickle blade was found in a Norse grave at Pierowall on Westray in Orkney. No details were recorded about the burial, but other grave goods included two knives, a bead, a key, a bronze drinking horn mount and a number of rivets.
The sickle blade is very corroded, but its general shape can be determined.
Some objects in Viking burials are specific to men's or women's graves. Others, however, like sickles, are found in both. Sickles were used to harvest corn and plant fibres, but small examples are also known, perhaps for cutting plants for daily cooking.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-000-099-726-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
Kiloran Bay Viking Burial (multimedia essay)
Project description View all records in project - Ref: National Museums Scotland X.IL 185
- Date: Between 850 and 950
- Material: Iron; small
Sickle - Dimensions:
- What: Sickle
- Subject:
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Orkney, Westray, Links of Pierowall
- Event:
- Description: Small iron sickle from Pierowall, Westray
- References:
- Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, p 134.
- Translations:
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