From Braewick Loch, Esha ness, Shetland; Jarlshof, Shetland

Tools, for removing hooks and gorges

These two bone 'disgorgers', for removing fish hooks and gorges from the mouths of fish, were found in Braewick Loch at Esha Ness in Shetland and at Jarlshof in Shetland. They were used sometime between 3000 BC and 1100 AD.

The tool at the top has two prongs at one end, and the tool at the bottom has prongs at either end.

Hooks and gorges were used with lines, bait and line-weights for fishing. Gorges were also used to catch small land mammals. Disgorging tools were needed to dislodge gorges and hooks which had become firmly lodged in the prey.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-100-040-744-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.HSA 258
Date:	Between 3000 BC and 1100 AD
Material:	Bone; H shaped; ends hollowed out to two sharp points Bone; two prongs cut at one end
Dimensions:	4.31" L 5.70" L
What:	Fish hook removing tool Fish hook removing tool
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Shetland, Northmaven, Esha Ness, Braewick Loch Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
Event:
Description:	Bone tool for removing hooks from fish mouths, from Esha Ness Bone tool for removing hooks from fish mouths, from Jarlshof
References:	Hamilton, J.R.C. Excavations at Jarlshof, Shetland. Edinburgh: Ministry of Works Archeological Reports 1, 1956, pp 123, 163.
Translations:
Related Records: