Horn and bone

«   »

Animal horn and bone provided implements for a wide range of uses. The tarsal and cubital bones of various animal species were carved into awls and occasionally used to make genuine daggers. Other bone objects included small spatula, needles, decorated bangles, buckles, wrist-guards for bowmen, etc. Antlers of the red deer were used in various ways and their relative plenty is hardly surprising given that they are shed each year by the stags. They were used as hammers and punches and as the shafts of metal tools, or else were bored to take wooden handles. Their points were used to make patterns on pottery. There are also two combs for carding wool or flax, made of antler. The antlers of the roebuck are far less frequently encountered, but were put to the same uses.