Cleaver

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This stone cleaver was found at Skara Brae on Orkney. It dates from between 3100 and 2500 BC. It was probably used to dismember carcasses during butchery (although it could equally have been used as a weapon if the need arose).

The handle and head of the T-shaped hatchet or cleaner were manufactured from a single piece of stone. There is slight damage to the blades.

Skara Brae is a well-preserved Neolithic 'village', with plentiful evidence for everyday activities such as food preparation.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-569-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 677
• Date: 3100 - 2500 BC
  Between 3100 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Stone; axe-like; head and handle all in one piece; edges of head damaged
  Hatchet
  
• Dimensions: 7.50" L; head 6.10" W
  
• What: Hatchet
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
  
• Event:
• Description: Handled stone hatchet, from Skara Brae, 3100 - 2500 BC
  
• References:
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