Combs, handle, implement, pins

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These bone objects were found at the broch at Saevar Howe at Birsay in Orkney. They illustrate some of the many objects made from bone at this site which was occupied over a long period.

The picture shows one bone comb and a fragment of a second. Above is an implement of unknown function. To the right is a fragment of a handle and three pins, one of which is perforated and another is decorated at the top.

The convenient shapes and qualities of some animal bones made them ideal for certain kinds of objects and ornaments. Some parts needed little or no modifying to produce tools. Others required more skillful workmanship.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-200-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GA 125
• Date: 200 BC - 1100 AD
  200 BC - 1100 AD
  200 BC - 1100 AD
  Between 200 BC and 1100 AD
  
• Material: Bone or horn, polished; lozenge-shaped pattern at head
  Bone or horn, polished; lozenge-shaped pattern at head
  Bone or horn, polished; lozenge-shaped pattern at head
  Bone; circular; hollow; broken; polished
  Bone; double-edged; imperfect; ornamented with dots and circles
  Bone; round backed
  Horn, deer; with rivet holes
  Comb
  Comb / portion
  Handle
  Implement / bone
  Pin
  Pin
  Pin
  
• Dimensions: 3.00" x 2.00"
  6.25" L
  
• What: Comb
  Comb / portion
  Handle
  Implement / bone
  Pin
  Pin
  Pin
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Birsay and Harray, Saverough
  Scotland, Orkney, Birsay and Harray, Saverough
  Scotland, Orkney, Birsay and Harray, Saverough
  Scotland, Orkney, Birsay and Harray, Saverough
  Scotland, Orkney, Birsay and Harray, Saverough
  Scotland, Orkney, Birsay and Harray, Saverough
  Scotland, Orkney, Birsay and Harray, Saverough
  
• Event:
• Description: Double-edged bone comb ornamented with dots and circles, from Saverough, Birsay, Orkney
  Handle of red deer horn with rivet holes, from Saverough, Birsay, Orkney
  Pin of polished bone or horn with lozenge-shaped pattern at head, from Saverough, Birsay, Orkney
  Pin of polished bone or horn with lozenge-shaped pattern at head, from Saverough, Birsay, Orkney
  Portion of a comb of bone from Saverough, Birsay, Orkney, 200 BC - 1100 AD
  Implement of bone from Saverough, Birsay, Orkney, 200 BC - 1100 AD
  Pin of bone from Saverough, Birsay, Orkney, 200 BC - 1100 AD
  
• References:
• Translations:
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