Hide working tool

This bone tool, perhaps for working hides, was found at Midhowe Broch on Rousay in Orkney. It was used sometime between 200 BC and 400 AD.

Bone hide-working tool from Midhowe Broch, Rousay, Orkney

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.

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Online ID:	000-100-038-086-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.GAM 14
Date:	Between 200 BC and 400 AD
Material:	Bone, sheep; chisel ended
Dimensions:	4.30" L
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Where:	Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Midhowe
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