Wooden sword

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This wooden sword, of yew, was found at Grotsetter in Orkney. It was probably made to be an offering to the gods sometime between 950 and 800 BC.

The hilt of the sword is fully carved, but the pommel and part of the grip are missing.

Offerings to the gods were often special material, treated in special ways or put in special places. They must have been accompanied by ceremonies which we can only guess at.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-426-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DL 62
• Date: Between 950 and 800 BC
  
• Material: Yew wood; hilt fully carved; pommel and part of grip missing
  Sword
  
• Dimensions: 31.25" L; blade 2.45" W
  
• What: Sword
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Grotsetter
  
• Event:
• Description: Sword of yew wood with carved hilt, the pommel and part of grip missing, from Grotsetter, Orkney, between 950 and 800 BC
  
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