Scraper

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:	0098: 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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