Limpet hammers of stone

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These two stone hammers were found at Caisteal nan Gillean and at Cnoc Sligeach on the island of Oronsay in the Inner Hebrides. They were used sometime between 6000 and 3500 BC to detach limpets (small shellfish) from the rocks.

Stone limpet hammer or bevelled pebble from Caisteal nan Gillean, Oronsay

A number of shell middens - large refuse piles of bone, shell and other objects - have been excavated on the island of Oronsay, providing much evidence of the lifestyle of the early inhabitants. The middens were in use over a long period of time.

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• Online ID: 000-100-041-378-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HP 667
• Date: 6000 - 3500 BC
  Between 6000 and 3500 BC
  
• Material: Stone
  Stone; flat or semicylindrical; rubbed at one end
  Limpet hammer / pebble
  Limpet scoop
  
• Dimensions: 4.50" - 5.10" L
  
• What: Limpet hammer / pebble
  Limpet scoop
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Argyll, Oronsay, Caisteal nan Gillean
  Scotland, Argyll, Oronsay, Cnoc Sligeach
  
• Event:
• Description: Limpet scoop from Cnoc Sligeach, Oronsay, 6000 - 3500 BC
  
• References:
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