from Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness

Arrowheads and scraper

These four flint arrowheads and flint scraper were found in a chambered tomb at Ormiegill at Ulbster in Caithness. The tomb was used over many years, and contained a mixture of bones and objects. These objects date from between 3400 and 3000 BC.

The arrowheads differ in shape. One may, in fact, be a small knife. Three of them are made of flint from Yorkshire, and represent prestige imports. The circular scraper has been retouched - small flakes removed - to create a sharp-edged tool.

Many of Scotland's early farming communities buried their dead in communal tombs. Various offerings for the afterlife were included, such as food, in pots or as joints of meat, and everyday possessions such as flint arrowheads and tools.

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Online ID:	000-190-004-055-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.EO 129
Date:	Between 3400 and 3000 BC
Material:	Flint; leaf-shaped; small Flint; lop-sided Flint; oval; pointed; formed from a flake trimmed to an edge all round Flint; round Flint; triangular
Dimensions:
What:	Arrowhead Arrowhead Arrowhead Knife Scraper
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill
Event:
Description:	Oblique flint arrowhead from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness Triangular flint arrowhead from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness Small leaf-shaped flint arrowhead from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness Oval and pointed flint knife formed from a flake trimmed to an edge all round, from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness Round flint scraper from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness
References:	Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp 236.
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