Small antler mount

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This small antler mount was found on the Brough of Birsay in Orkney. It was probably used sometime between 600 and 800.

The crescent-shaped mount has been smoothly rounded, thought the tips have broken off. The front is decorated with a dot-in-circle stamp, a popular motif on both Pictish and Viking objects.

Making things from bone and similar material often called for great skill and care. In particular, objects to do with dress and personal appearance were finely worked, as were pieces meant for display.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-595-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HB 252
• Date: Between 600 and 800
  
• Material: Horn, deer; crescent-shaped; smoothly rounded; tips broken off; front decorated with dot-in-circle; small oval depression on back
  Crescent
  
• Dimensions: 28 mm W
  
• What: Crescent
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Brough of Birsay
  
• Event:
• Description: Crescent of antler with ring-and-dot ornament, from Brough of Birsay, Orkney
  
• References:
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