Fish hooks

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The iron fish hook on the left was found in a Viking boy's grave at Balnakeil near Durness in Sutherland. The larger example on the right was found at the Norse settlement at Westness on Rousay in Orkney. They were used between 800 and 1100.

The hook from Balnakeil has mineralized fishing line wound round the iron hook and preserved in the corrosion.

People living on the sea exploited the fishing resources. Hooks and gorges were used with lines. They rarely survive, or are not identified in their corroded states.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-776-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.1997.125
• Date: 800 - 1100 AD
  Balnakeil hook: between 850 and 900; Westness hook: between 800 and 1100
  
• Material: Hook
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Hook
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Westness
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron hook from Westness, Orkney, 800 - 1100 AD
  
• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 140-2. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: