Record
Worked bone
< 1 of 1 > Back
from Lower Dounreay, Caithness
Add to album
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
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.
- Online ID: 000-100-035-292-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
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
Phalanx, ox - 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.
- Translations:
- Related Records:
< 1 of 1 > Back