Shears of bronze

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These bronze shears were found at Loch Erribol in Sutherland. They were for fine work, perhaps for sewing or embroidery. The shears were used in the first two centuries AD.

The shears are ornamented on both faces with a line of chevrons just inside the thickened outer edge and across the upper end. The tip is broken.

Where textiles were produced and finished, sewing needles and bodkins were needed. Small shears have also been found, sometimes decorated, and would have been valued items for women able to afford them.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-894-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HD 1826
• Date: Between 0 and 200 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; broken tip; the spring a loop of twisted square-section rod; blades decorated on both faces just inside thickened outer edge and across upper end with rouletted chevrony line
  Shears
  
• Dimensions: 4.90" max L; blade 3.40" L x 0.70" W
  
• What: Shears
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Sutherland, Loch Erribol
  
• Event:
• Description: Small pair of bronze shears with blades decorated on both faces just inside thickened outer edge and across upper end with rouletted chevrony line, from Loch Erribol, Sutherland
  
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