Scraper

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This flint scraper was found at the Knowe of Lairo on Rousay in Orkney. It could have been used to clean hides of animals as part of the process of making leather. The scraper dates between 3800 and 1500 BC.

Scraper of brown flint, from Knowe of Lairo, Rousay, Orkney

There were three stages to prepare a skin. First the hide was removed from a dead animal using knives. Next, it was cleaned, by loosening hair and fat, then scraping flesh, muscles and tendons with scrapers such as this one. Then the hide was preserved.

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-041-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.BN 164
• Date: Between 3800 and 1500 BC
  
• Material: Flint, brown
  
• Dimensions: 1.38" x 1.25"
  
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• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Hullion, Knowe of Lairo
  
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