Implement

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This bone implement was found in a Norse woman's grave at Westness on Rousay in Orkney. She died in childbirth and was buried with a range of ornaments and tools, many of high quality, sometime between 850 and 900.

The thin implement tapers slightly towards one rounded end. Other grave goods buried with this woman were associated with textile preparation and weaving. This object may also have been used in textile work.

Viking women, especially those coming from a Norwegian home or background, were buried with a wide array of goods. These often included personal ornaments, especially the distinctive oval brooches, tools and household equipment.

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-745-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 738
• Date: Between 850 and 900
  
• Material: Bone; in form of straight narrow bar
  
• Dimensions: 5.35" L x 0.55" - 0.70" W x 0.12" thick
  
• What:
• Subject:
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• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Westness
  
• Event:
• Description: Bone implement in the form of a straight narrow bar, from Westness, Orkney
  
• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, p 136. 
  • Ritchie, Anna. Viking Scotland London: B.T. Batsford Ltd/Historic Scotland, 1993, p 50.
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