From Cnoc Sligeach, Oronsay, Inner Hebrides

Spearheads or harpoon-heads (Fragments)

These fragments of bone and antler spearheads or harpoon-heads were found at Cnoc Sligeach on Oronsay in the Inner Hebrides. One fragment has been reused as a limpet scoop - its end has been rounded and bevelled. They were used between 6000 and 3500 BC.

These objects were made for throwing or twisting into prey, either in the sea or on land. One end piece is definitely from a harpoon - it has a detachable head, which would keep swimming prey attached to a line wrapped around its narrow part.

Hunting and fishing were a way of life for Scotland's earliest inhabitants. The people who lived on Oronsay exploited the island's rich wild resources. They moved around the island, and between the island and the mainland and other islands.

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Online ID:	000-190-004-048-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.1997.1123
Date:	6000 - 3500 BC 6000 - 3500 BC Between 6000 and 3500 BC
Material:	Bone; pointed; half of the tip with traces of two barbs
Dimensions:	2.10" L
What:	Bone / point / fragment Spearhead / fragment Spearhead / fragment
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Where:	Scotland, Argyll, Oronsay, Cnoc Sligeach Scotland, Argyll, Oronsay, Cnoc Sligeach Scotland, Argyll, Oronsay, Cnoc Sligeach
Event:
Description:	Fragment of biserially barbed bone point, from Cnoc Sligeach, Oronsay Spearhead fragment from Cnoc Sligeach, Oronsay, Argyll, 6000 - 3500 BC Spearhead fragment from Cnoc Sligeach, Oronsay, Argyll, 6000 - 3500 BC
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