Record

Whalebone pin

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From Skara Brae, Orkney

Postcard of Whalebone pin.
000-100-040-305-C
© National Museums Scotland

Whalebone pin

This whalebone pin was found at the site of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney. It was used as a dress pin or a hairpin, sometime between 3100 and 2400 BC.

The head of the pin broadens into a flat-sectioned head which is pierced.

In the largely 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: 000-100-040-305-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 425
Date: Between 3100 and 2400 BC
Material: Whalebone; pointed head, now damaged, above perforated expansion of stem; flat sectioned; point rounded
Dimensions: 6.50" L
What: Pin, dress / hairpin
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
Event:
Description: Large dress pin or hairpin of whalebone with a pointed head, from Skara Brae
References:
Translations:
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