Hooks

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These iron hooks were found at Jarlshof in Shetland and Westness on Rousay in Orkney. They were used by Scandinavian settlers sometime between 800 and 1100.

The hook on the left is made from a square-sectioned rod and has a barbed point. The other end is broken. The middle hook is similar, but has a barb on the inner side of the point only, and the other end is looped back.

Hooks and gorges were used with lines, bait and line-weights for fishing. The larger the fish, the larger the hook needed to be. Gorges were designed to swivel round and lodge in the mouth of a fish. Tools to remove hooks and gorges were also used.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-598-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.1997.125
• Date: 800 - 1100 AD
  800 - 1100 AD
  800 - 1100 AD
  Between 800 and 1100
  
• Material: Iron; made from square section rod; barb on inner side of point, other end looped back
  Iron; made from square section rod; barbed point; other end broken
  Hook
  Hook
  Hook
  
• Dimensions: 2.00" L
  4.30" L
  
• What: Hook
  Hook
  Hook
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Westness
  Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron hook from Jarlshof, 800 - 1100 AD
  Iron hook from Jarlshof, 800 - 1100 AD
  Iron hook from Westness, Orkney, 800 - 1100 AD
  
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