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Bone key

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From Stenabreak, North Ronaldsay, Orkney

Bone key
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This bone key was found at Stenabreak on North Ronaldsay in Orkney. It was used sometime between 850 and 1100.

The key is for a tumbler lock. Tumbler locks had a number of holes on the bolt. The slide key had matching projections, and was used to push the tumblers out of the bolt securing the door.

Builders of Viking period houses had lock and key mechanisms fitted to doors and chests. Most of the surviving examples are of metal, but occasionally, as here, evidence survives that other materials were used.

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