Record
Pins or piercing tools, of bone
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From Skara Brae, Orkney
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These bone pins or piercing tools were found at the site of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney. They were used between 3100 and 2400 BC.
The pins or piercing tools were made from the bones of sheep. Some have been polished smooth. The middle two are broken.
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: 000-100-040-314-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project - Ref: National Museums Scotland X.HA 434
- Date: Between 3100 and 2400 BC
- Material: Bone; long expanded, flat sectioned head; pin round sectioned; perforation at base of head; head broken longitudinally and transversely
Bone; spatulate-headed; with stem tapering to the point
Whalebone; pointed head, now damaged, above perforated expansion of stem; flat sectioned; point rounded; broken across perforation
Pin
Pin
Pin - Dimensions: 4.50" L
5.10" L
5.50" L - What: Pin
Pin
Pin - Subject:
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae - Event:
- Description: Neolithic giant pin of whalebone from Skara Brae
Neolithic bone giant pin from Skara Brae
Neolithic bone spatulate-headed pin from Skara Brae - References:
- Translations:
- Related Records:
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