Heckle

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A heckle was used in the preparation of flax fibres. The long spikes were designed to strip flax fibres and make them ready for spinning. This antler example was found at Jarlshof on Shetland. It was used during the Norse settlement, between 850 and 1000.

The teeth of the heckle have broken off.

Linen production was important in Viking times. Tools associated with the process have been found in settlements and graves. The flax was harvested by hand, then combed with heckles to produce a yarn ready to spin. After spinning, it was woven into cloth.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-042-431-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 318
• Date: Between 850 and 1000
  
• Material: Antler; round section handle; broken through perforations for teeth
  
• Dimensions: 4.50" L; 5.60" across head
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Antler heckle with round section handle, from Jarlshof
  
• References:
  • Hamilton, J.R.C. Excavations at Jarlshof, Shetland. Edinburgh: Ministry of Works, Archaeological Reports 1, 1956, pp. 124, 167. 
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