Knife

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This iron knife with a bone handle was found at the Broch of Gurness in Orkney. It was used sometime between 400 and 800 AD.

The handle has an ogham inscription 'IN...IT...TEMOMN MATS', the meaning of which is unclear. The handle is in good condition, although the blade is corroded.

Ogham was a form of writing used by native peoples in Britain and Ireland. Some people carved their names on their property, but most people were illiterate. Writing was often seen as a kind of magic spell.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-103-299-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.1997.290
• Date: 400 - 800 AD
  Between 400 and 800
  
• Material: Ogham-inscribed. Inscription: [Ogham inscription]
  Knife handle
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Knife handle
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Evie and Rendall, Broch of Gurness
  
• Event:
• Description: Ogham-inscribed knife handle, from Broch of Gurness, Orkney, 400 - 800 AD
  
• References:
• Translations:
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