Fishing line runner

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This fishing line runner of antler was found at Jarlshof in Shetland. It was used sometime between 800 and 1100.

The shaped piece of antler has two tines retained. The curving area between them operated as the line runner. The back has been trimmed and there are two perforations for dowels, allowing it to be fixed to the side of a boat.

These objects were called vadbein in Norwegian. They were used to protect the sides of fishing boats from chafing when the fishing lines were hauled in. They were particularly useful for deep-water fishing, where heavy line weights were used.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-042-433-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 320
• Date: Between 800 and 1100
  
• Material: Bone; under side recessed; one or two perforations
  Line runner
  
• Dimensions: 5.00" x 3.70"
  
• What: Line runner
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Bone line runner from Jarlshof
  
• References:
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