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Mirror handle of cetacean bone

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From Bac Mhic Connain, North Uist, Outer Hebrides

Mirror handle of cetacean bone
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This mirror handle was found at Bac Mhic Connain on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. It is similar to examples known elsewhere in bronze, and was used with a bronze mirror. The handle dates from sometime between 0 and 200 AD.

The handle was made from cetacean bone, bone from a sea mammal such as a whale or a dolphin. The bone has been finely carved. The bar at the top is slotted lengthwise, presumably for attaching to the mirror plate by wire or gut.

Bone from whales or dolphins was widely used at settlements in the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland, utilized for objects which are made in other materials elsewhere. It is very strong and resilient.

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