Worked bone

This phalanx (toe bone) from a small ox was found in a cairn containing a skeleton, stone axehead, two beakers and sherds of other pottery. A hole had been drilled through it for an unknown purpose.

Perforated ox phalanx from Lower Dounreay, Caithness

Similar phalanges with holes have also been found at Skara Brae in Orkney and in chambered tombs from southern England. Their function remains enigmatic, but some have been interpreted as whistles.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-035-292-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.EO 359
Date:	Between 3500 and 3000 BC
Material:	Bone, first phalanx of ox; perforated
Dimensions:
What:	Phalanx, ox
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Caithness, Lower Dounreay
Event:
Description:
References:	Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp 238-9.
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