Bone handle carved with an animal's head

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This bone handle was found at Jarlshof in Shetland. It is a fine example of carving, designed to be attached to an object, such as a knife, which was for display rather than everyday use. The handle was made sometime between 850 and 1000.

The handle has an animal's head, with short ears and a wide snout, at its socketed end. The body is curved and tapers to the end, with decorative panels of geometric ornament on each side.

People have lived at Jarlshof from the Bronze Age onwards. In the Viking period, the quality of the finds, including a number of accomplished carved bone objects, show that the inhabitants were prosperous, with links to the Scandinavian world.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-042-426-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 282
• Date: Between 850 and 1000
  
• Material: Bone; square section, body curved and tapering; animal head at socketed end; decorative panel on each side of body
  Handle
  
• Dimensions: 3.60" x 0.45" x 0.55"
  
• What: Handle
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Bone handle with an animal head at socketed end and decorative panel on each side of body, from Jarlshof, Shetland
  
• References:
  • Hamilton, J.R.C. Excavations at Jarlshof, Shetland. Edinburgh: Ministry of Works, Archaeological Reports 1, 1956, p 149. 
• Translations:
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