Record
Shovel or scoop, made from the shoulder bone of an ox
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From Skara Brae, Orkney
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This shovel or scoop was found at the site of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney. It was made from the shoulder bone of an ox, sometime between 3100 and 2400 BC.
The edges of the bone have been smoothed to provide an easy surface for scooping or shovelling. Similar objects sometimes have antler handles attached to the narrower end. The shovel or scoop is damaged at the ends.
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: 000-100-040-383-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project - Ref: National Museums Scotland X.HA 512
- Date: Between 3100 and 2400 BC
- Material: Bone, scapula, ox; with edges smoothed; damaged
Scapula / shovel / scoop - Dimensions: 203.20 mm L
- What: Scapula / shovel / scoop
- Subject:
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
- Event:
- Description: Ox scapula with smoothed edges, used as a shovel or scoop, from Skara Brae
- References:
- Translations:
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