Whistles

These bone whistles were probably used in hunting, to attract prey. The top two were found at Jarlshof in Shetland, and were probably used to lure otters. The bottom one was found in a cremation urn burial at Craigentinny in Midlothian.

The Jarlshof whistles are incomplete, but have transverse holes on one side, and five dots either above or below. The Craigentinny whistle is pierced at one end, through one side. The bone is burnt because the whistle had passed through the funeral pyre.

Mammals, birds and fish were caught and killed with a variety of equipment. Evidence of the use of bows and arrows and spears is common from an early time. Other more specialised tools, such as these whistles for attracting prey, are also known.

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