Tools, for removing hooks and gorges

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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

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-744-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: 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
  Fish hook removing tool
  Fish hook removing tool
  
• 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. 
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