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MHG63184 - Mesolithic harpoon - Eilean Ighe, Arisaig

Summary

A Mesolithic biserially-barbed bone harpoon head found near Arisaig.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

A Mesolithic biserially-barbed (i.e. with barbs on either side) detachable harpoon head, just under 12cm long, was found by F Bowie as a child in the 1970s during a familiy holiday in Arisaig, though its significance has only recently been recognised. It was found with its head in the sand at the water’s edge, "...between the main shore and the Isle of Ighe...", with the Isles of Muck, Eigg and Rùm visible on the horizon. It appears to have been made of bone rather than antler, and to judge from the available photograph, it does not seem to be of whalebone (a species identification by a faunal specialist is yet to be undertaken but the use of a red deer longbone seems most likely). While a hollow can be seen extending from the rear end of the hole, the hole itself is not heavily worn, so the object was probably not old when it was lost. The object has been reported to the Treasure Trove Unit and will be allocated in due course. <1>

Sources/Archives (1)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NM 6372 8784 (148m by 149m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NM68NW
Civil Parish	ARISAIG AND MOIDART
Geographical Area	LOCHABER

Finds (1)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (0)

External Links (2)