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This bone tool was found at the Broch of Burrian on North Ronaldsay in Orkney. It was perhaps used for incising patterns into leather, sometime between 0 and 900 AD.

The tool has three projecting ridges at one end which have been deliberately cut. It is without known parallels.

Leather was often decorated using simple tools to impress patterns in the leather or by cutting out shapes.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-038-323-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GB 225
• Date: Between 0 and 900 AD
  
• Material: Bone; with three projecting ridges at one end
  Pattern incising tool
  
• Dimensions: 3.90" L
  
• What: Pattern incising tool
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian
  
• Event:
• Description: Bone pattern incising tool, from Burrian
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Arthur. The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 105 (1972-4), pp 63-118, esp. pp 78-9, 110. 
• Translations:
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