Awl

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This iron awl was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was used to punch holes, perhaps in leather, sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The awl has a metal haft.

Leather was used for a wide range of objects necessary to a Roman soldier, including tents, saddles, harness, shoes, clothing, belts, purses, bags, shields and shield covers. The specialist Roman leatherworkers used a wide range of tools for their work.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-927-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 258
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Iron
  
• Dimensions: 4.13" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron awl from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, Pl. LIX, 16, p 281. 
• Translations:
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