Motif piece

Add to album

This bone motif piece was found at the Brough of Birsay in Orkney. It belongs to the Pictish settlement at the site, dating sometime between 700 and 900.

The bone is from an ox scapula. Three sides were broken, and the remaining face was made smooth and polished. On this side, the lower part has been gouged in an attempt to suggest a metalworking technique called chip carving.

Remains of metalworking were preserved at the Brough of Birsay. This object was used by a craftsman to try out his design, before working on more precious metals.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-180-001-452-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HB 267
• Date: Between 700 and 900
  
• Material: Bone, ox scapula; incomplete
  
• Dimensions: 230 mm L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Brough of Birsay
  
• Event:
• Description: Bone motif piece from Birsay, Orkney
  
• References:
  • Curle, C.L. Pictish and Norse finds from the Brough of Birsay, 1973-74. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Monograph Series 1, 1982, pp 24-5, 110. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: