Record

Pinhead or playing piece made from a horse's tooth

< 1 of 1 > Back

From Howe, Sanday, Orkney

Postcard of Pinhead or playing piece made from a horse's tooth.
000-100-038-039-C
© National Museums Scotland

Pinhead or playing piece made from a horse's tooth

This pinhead or playing piece, carved from a horse's tooth, was found at Howe on Sanday in Orkney. It probably fitted onto a metal peg. The object was used sometime between 200 BC and 400 AD.

The object, here pictured from above looking down on it, is perforated on the underside. It has been polished smooth.

The teeth of animals were used for a number of objects in the past, including pinheads, pendants, playing pieces and amulets. If this object was used as a pin, it was probably on a dress pin.


Record details

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

Online ID: 000-100-038-039-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GA 1170
Date: Between 200 BC and 400 AD
Material: Bone, horse's tooth; flat spheroid; perforated below
Dimensions: 0.69" H x 0.94" D
What: Pinhead / playing piece
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Orkney, Sanday, Howe
Event:
Description: Perforated pinhead or playing piece made from a polished horse's tooth, from Howe, Sanday, Orkney
References:
Translations:
Related Records:
< 1 of 1 > Back
 
Powered by Scran