Fish spearhead

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This bone fish spearhead was found at the Neolithic settlement site of Skara Brae on Orkney. It was used in fishing sometime between 3100 and 2500 BC.

The spearhead has two points at one end. It would have been attached to a long handle and thrust at fish.

Thrusting spears for catching fish or ells usually had two or more prongs, to prevent the prey from wriggling free.

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-365-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 479
• Date: Between 3100 and 2500 BC
  Neolithic
  
• Material: Bone, splinter; double points at one end; high polish, especially on upper surface
  Spear, fish
  
• Dimensions: 132.10 mm L
  
• What: Spear, fish
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
  
• Event:
• Description: Neolithic bone fish spear, from Skara Brae
  
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