Rubbing tool

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This stone object was used as rubbing tool, to burnish an object or as part of the process of preserving a hide. It was found at Traprain Law in East Lothian, and was used sometime between 100 BC and 400 AD.

Rectangular stone burnisher from Traprain Law, 100 BC - 400 AD

There were three stages to prepare a skin to make leather. First the hide was removed from a dead animal using knives. Next, it was cleaned. Then it was preserved by rubbing salt, a mineral like alum or oils into it, using tools such as this one.

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-546-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GV 981
• Date: 100 BC - 400 AD
  Between 100 BC and 400 AD
  
• Material: Stone; rectangular
  Burnisher
  
• Dimensions: 4.19" x 1.44" x 0.75"
  
• What: Burnisher
  
• Subject:
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• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
  
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