Cleaver

Add to album

This slate cleaver or chopper was found at Jarlshof in Shetland. It dates from between 950 and 400 BC. It would have been useful as a butchery tool, for dismembering carcasses.

The large handled cleaver is made from a large flake of slate. It has a straight back and short handle.

The inhabitants of Jarlshof made use of the abundant local supplies of stone to make crude-looking but effective tools.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-042-982-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 3335
• Date: Between 950 and 400 BC
  
• Material: Slate; flaked; large; straight back and handle
  Cleaver / chopper
  
• Dimensions: 17.80" x 5.60"
  
• What: Cleaver / chopper
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Large handled flaked slate cleaver or chopper, from Jarlshof
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: