Thong stretcher of bone

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This bone object was probably used for stretching thongs. It was found at Foshigarry on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. It is one of a number of objects found there which were used in producing leather goods, sometime between 200 BC and 800 AD.

The object has a waist where it has been worn smooth by rotary action.

Similar objects are known from a number of sites on the Hebrides. Their function has been the subject of some debate, but detailed study of similar objects from Russia convincingly showed that many were used to stretch thongs.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-531-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GNA 15
• Date: 200 BC - 800 AD
  Between 200 BC and 800 AD
  
• Material: Bone; spindle-shaped; complete
  Thong stretcher
  
• Dimensions: 3.31" L
  
• What: Thong stretcher
  
• Subject:
• Who: Beveridge Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, North Uist, Foshigarry
  
• Event:
• Description: Bone thong stretcher from Foshigarry, North Uist, 200 BC - 800 AD
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Arthur. The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 105 (1972-4), pp 63-118, esp. p 76. 
• Translations:
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