Worked bone roughouts

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These worked bone roughouts were found at the site of the Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae in Orkney. They were carved between 3100 and 2400 BC.

The bone at the top, from a leg bone of an animal, has been notched across in preparation for making bone beads. The bone at the bottom has been worked on top, but its function is not known.

The settlement of Skara Brae was buried in sand, thus preserving buildings to a large height and a range of every-day objects. The inhabitants of Skara Brae used bone and antler for a range of objects including shovels, awls, pins, knives and even beads.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-559-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 100
• Date: 3100 - 2400 BC
  Between 3100 and 2400 BC
  
• Material: Bone; partially cut transversely
  Shaft
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Shaft
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
  
• Event:
• Description: Two shafts of animal bone from Skara Brae, Orkney, 3100 - 2400 BC
  
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