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Fire-steel or strike-a-light

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From Jarlshof, Shetland

Postcard of Fire-steel or strike-a-light.
000-100-102-597-C
© National Museums Scotland

Fire-steel or strike-a-light

A fire-steel was a metal object used with flints to create sparks and start a fire. This iron example was found at Jarlshof on Shetland. It was used between 850 and 1000 AD.

The fire-steel (also known as a strike-a-light) is in the most common shape found in Viking settlements and graves in Scandinavia and the British Isles.

Methods to produce fire have always been important. From an early period, flints were struck against suitable stones. Later, fire-steels of iron were used.


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Online ID: 000-100-102-597-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 891
Date: 850 - 1000 AD
Between 850 and 1000
Material: Iron; curved back scroll terminals
Dimensions: 2.40" x 0.90"
What: Strike a light
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
Event:
Description: Iron strike-a-light from Jarlshof, 850 - 1000 AD
References:
Translations:
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