Weight

This steatite weight was found at Jarlshof in Shetland. It may have been used as a fishing or loom weight, or perhaps on a weighing apparatus such as a steelyard. The weight was used sometime between 800 and 1400.

The weight has been pierced to allow it to hang.

The Vikings used steatite for a wide range of artefacts including cooking vessels, spindle whorls, lamps and fishing line sinkers. They were familiar with its uses from Norway, and must have been pleased to find steatite outcropping in Shetland.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-043-179-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.HSA 4099
Date:	Between 800 and 1400
Material:	Steatite; ovoid; with perforated projection
Dimensions:	2.60" x 1.75" x 1.70"
What:
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
Event:
Description:	Steatite weight from Jarlshof
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