Pointing tool or pin, of bone

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This bone pointing tool or pin was found at the site of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney. It was used sometime between 3100 and 2400 BC.

The object was made from the lower leg bone of a sheep, shaped to a sharp point.

In the almost tree-less Northern Isles, wooden objects are less common than other materials. The inhabitants of Skara Brae used bone and antler for a range of objects including shovels, awls, pins, chisels, knives and even beads.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-149-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 63
• Date: Between 3100 and 2400 BC
  
• Material: Bone; sharp
  Pin / point
  
• Dimensions: 1.38" - 6" L
  
• What: Pin / point
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
  
• Event:
• Description: Sharp bone pine or point
  
• References:
• Translations:
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