Whalebone Artefact - Ness of Brodgar

3D Model

This whalebone artefact was found buried in the clay floor of Structure 32 at the Ness of Brodgar, during the 2022 digging season. While the acidic soils of the Ness have left the whalebone very fragile and soft, it has clearly been shaped and may be a mattock. Whalebone is uncommon at the Ness, and it must have been a valued material in the Neolithic.

After being carefully lifted, the artefact was sent to the finds team on site who will stabilise and record it. Eventually it will then be sent on to specialists, who will provide a final identification and further analysis that can be incorporated into the overall story of the Ness of Brodgar.