Reaping hook

A reaping hook is similar to a sickle. This flint blade for a reaping hook was found at Balveny at Mortlach in Banffshire. It was used to harvest crops sometime between 3000 and 1800 BC.

The reaping hook has one straight edge, the other slightly curved. It is broken at the butt end.

The first harvesting tools were made of flint, as here, and then over time of bronze and then iron. The shape changed from a simple hook to a 'balanced' sickle, similar to those in use today, which is easier to swing.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-032-039-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.AA 2
Date:	Between 3000 and 1800 BC
Material:	Flint; one edge nearly straight, the other slightly curved, butt end fractured, point tapering from edge
Dimensions:	6.50" x 1.75"
What:	Knife
Subject:
Who:	Linn Collection
Where:	Scotland, Banffshire, Mortlach, Balveny
Event:
Description:	Bifacial flint 'sickle' knife from Balveny, Mortlach, Banffshire
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