Spearheads or harpoon-heads (Fragments)

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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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-048-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: 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
  Bone / point / fragment
  Spearhead / fragment
  Spearhead / fragment
  
• Dimensions: 2.10" L
  
• What: Bone / point / fragment
  Spearhead / fragment
  Spearhead / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• 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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