Polished pebble

This polished pebble was found at the native broch settlement site at Keiss in Caithness. It may have been used as a burnisher, perhaps in the production of leather. The pebble was used sometime between 100 BC and 400 AD.

Polished pebble, possibly used for burnishing pottery, from Keiss, Caithness

There were three stages to prepare a skin to make leather. First the hide was removed from a dead animal using knives. Next, it was cleaned. Then it was preserved by rubbing salt, a mineral like alum or oils into it, using tools such as this one.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.