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These three bone pins were found at the site of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney. They were used as dress pins or hairpins, sometime between 3100 and 2400 BC.

The two larger pins are of whalebone, carved into elaborate heads, and both are perforated. The pin on the left is partially burnt around its head, the one on the right, around its shaft. All three pins are highly polished.

The settlement of Skara Brae was buried in sand, thus preserving buildings to a large height and a range of everyday objects. The inhabitants of Skara Brae used bone and antler for a range of objects including shovels, awls, pins, knives and even beads.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-084-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 430
• Date: Between 3100 and 2400 BC
  
• Material: Whalebone; domed head; three equidistant, prominent horizontal ridges below head; lateral perforated bulb below ridges; broken
  Whalebone; spatulate headed; expansion of stem below head is perforated
  Pin, dress / hairpin
  Pin, dress / hairpin
  
• Dimensions: 8.20" L
  9.80" L
  
• What: Pin, dress / hairpin
  Pin, dress / hairpin
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
  Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
  
• Event:
• Description: Large dress pin or hairpin of whalebone with a spatulate head, from Skara Brae
  Large dress pin or hairpin of whalebone with a domed head, from Skara Brae
  
• 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 224, 246. 
• Translations:
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