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Line sinker and ladle from Jarlshof, Shetland

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Line sinker and ladle from Jarlshof, Shetland
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This line sinker and ladle were both carved from the soft stone steatite between 800 and 1100. They were found at the Norse settlement site at Jarlshof in Shetland.

The line sinker, here pictured with a modern cord, has an original bone plug. It would have been used for fishing at sea with handheld lines. The ladle has a short, squared-off handle. The base has been darkened by burning. It is partly restored.

The Vikings used steatite for a wide range of artefacts including cooking vessels, spindle whorls, lamps and fishing line sinkers. They were familiar with its uses from Norway, and must have been pleased to find steatite outcropping in Shetland.

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