Arrowheads and scraper

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These four flint arrowheads and flint scraper were found in a chambered tomb at Ormiegill at Ulbster in Caithness. The tomb was used over many years, and contained a mixture of bones and objects. These objects date from between 3400 and 3000 BC.

The arrowheads differ in shape. One may, in fact, be a small knife. Three of them are made of flint from Yorkshire, and represent prestige imports. The circular scraper has been retouched - small flakes removed - to create a sharp-edged tool.

Many of Scotland's early farming communities buried their dead in communal tombs. Various offerings for the afterlife were included, such as food, in pots or as joints of meat, and everyday possessions such as flint arrowheads and tools.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-055-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.EO 129
• Date: Between 3400 and 3000 BC
  
• Material: Flint; leaf-shaped; small
  Flint; lop-sided
  Flint; oval; pointed; formed from a flake trimmed to an edge all round
  Flint; round
  Flint; triangular
  Arrowhead
  Arrowhead
  Arrowhead
  Knife
  Scraper
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Arrowhead
  Arrowhead
  Arrowhead
  Knife
  Scraper
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill
  Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill
  Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill
  Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill
  Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill
  
• Event:
• Description: Oblique flint arrowhead from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness
  Triangular flint arrowhead from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness
  Small leaf-shaped flint arrowhead from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness
  Oval and pointed flint knife formed from a flake trimmed to an edge all round, from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness
  Round flint scraper from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness
  
• 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 236. 
• Translations:
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