Chapter 6

Fig. 66.—Clay Spindle Whorl (1⁄1).

Fig. 67.—Clay Spindle Whorl (1⁄1).

A fourth spindle whorl was found by a visitor from Dumfries-shire and carried away, but it has been returned lately, and is now among the collection. It is made of an oval sandstone pebble, and is slightly larger than the one represented by Fig. 68.

Fig. 68.—Stone (1⁄1).

II. Objects of Bone.

Fig. 69.Fig. 70.Bone Chisels (1⁄2).

Fig. 69.Fig. 70.

Bone Chisels (1⁄2).

Upwards of twenty implements made of bone have been added to the general collection, all of which were found either in the relic-bed or refuse-heap. The following are the most interesting:—

1. Two Chisels or Spatulæ. One (Fig. 69) is made of a split portion of a shank-bone, and measures 51⁄4inches long and rather less than1⁄2an inch broad. It is very hard, flat, and smoothly ground at one end, and has a sharp rounded edge, which extends further on the left side, thus indicating that it was adapted for being used by the right hand. The other (Fig. 70) is a small leg-bone obliquely cut so as to present a smooth polished surface. Its length is 4 inches and diameter1⁄2inch.

Fig. 71.Fig. 72.Fig. 73.Fig. 74.Fig. 75.Bone Implements (1⁄2).

Fig. 71.Fig. 72.Fig. 73.Fig. 74.Fig. 75.

Bone Implements (1⁄2).

2. Five small objects presenting cut and polished surfaces, three of which are sharp and pointed (Figs. 71, 74, 75); one (Fig. 72) appears to have been notched at the end and there broken off; and the last (Fig. 73) presenting well-cut facets, is fashioned into a neat little wedge.

3. Fig. 76 represents a tiny little spoon only3⁄4of an inch in diameter, and worn into a hole in its centre. The handle portion is round and straight, and proportionally small, being only two inches long and about the diameter of a crow-quill. Fig. 77 shows another portion of bone somewhat spoon-shaped.

4. Fig. 78 is a drawing of a neatly formed needle-like instrument. It is flat on both sides, finely polished, and gradually tapering into points at its extremities. The eye is near its middle, being two inches from one end and 11⁄2inch from the other, and large enough for strong twine to pass through it.

Fig. 76.—Bone (1⁄2).Fig. 77.—Bone (1⁄2).Fig. 78.—Bone (1⁄2).

5. Fig. 79 is a drawing of a portion of bone artificially made into a sharp-pointed instrument. Several similar objects were met with, but as they showed no distinct workmanship I have not preserved them.

6. A great many small ribs, about 6 or 7 inches in length, and portions of others, were found to have the marks of a sharp cutting instrument by which they were pointed and smoothed along their edges, the use of which can only be conjectured. Figs. 80 to 82 are drawings of some of them. Fig. 83 shows a larger rib-bone, highly polished all over and notched round one end.

7. Lastly, there are several portions of round bones which appeared to have been used as handles for knives or suchlike instruments.

III. Objects of Deer's Horn.

Fig. 79.—Bone (1⁄3).Fig. 80.Fig. 81.Fig. 82.Fig. 83.Bone Implements (1⁄2).

Fig. 79.—Bone (1⁄3).Fig. 80.Fig. 81.Fig. 82.Fig. 83.

Bone Implements (1⁄2).

Fig. 84.—Horn (1⁄3).

Fig. 85.—Horn (1⁄3).

Fig. 86.—Horn (1⁄3).

Fig. 87.—Horn (1⁄3).

Fig. 88.—Horn (1⁄3).Fig. 89.—Horn (1⁄3).

Fig. 90.—Horn (1⁄3).Fig. 91.—Horn (1⁄3).

Fig. 92.—Horn (1⁄3).Fig. 93.—Horn (1⁄3).

Fig. 94.—Horn (1⁄3).Fig. 95.—Horn (1⁄3).

Out of about forty portions of horn, chiefly of the red deer, bearing evidence of human workmanship, I have selected for illustration sixteen of the most characteristic specimens. Two hammers or clubs, formed from the lower portions of the beam antlers of stags by cutting or sawing off their branches. One (Fig. 84) is 11 inches long, and has about three inches of the brow branch of the horn projecting from it, round the root of which there is a groove as if intended for a string. The markings on the back portion indicate very distinctly that it was used for hammering some hard substance. Fig. 85 is a still more formidable weapon, being 14 inches long and 9 inches in circumference near the burr. Portion of the latter is worn completely away by use. Fig. 86 is the root portion of a large antler, having one surface made smooth, and containing two circular depressions and a few deeply penetrating marks as if made by a sharp instrument. Fig. 87 is a portion of a horn with a groove round one end. Figs. 88, 89, 90 represent split portions of horn sharpened at the point like daggers. Figs.91, 92, 93 are three pointed portions or tines, two of which were probably used as spear-heads, and contain small holes at the cut ends by which they were fastened on handles. Fig. 94 represents portion of horn (roe) cut at both ends with a hole near its centre, which, however, does not pass through; while Fig. 95 shows another small pointed and curved portion, with a hole, about 1 inch from the end, passing completely through it. Fig. 96 was evidently used as a hook, as the stem portion is smoothly bored and made suitable for a handle. Fig. 97 is a small portion made into a ring. The last object figured under this head is abodkin8 inches long, finely polished all over, and pointed at the tip as if with a sharp knife. The other end, which is large and circular, is pierced by a round hole, by means of which it might have been strung to one's person (Fig. 99). The portions of horns not figured consist of clubs, pointed tines, short thick pieces, etc., all of which show the marks of tools upon them.

Fig. 97.—Horn (1⁄3).

Fig. 96.—Horn (1⁄3).Fig. 98.—Horn (1⁄3).

Fig. 99.—Horn (1⁄3).

Fig. 100.—Portion of Horn Handle found along with Iron Knife, Fig. 129 (1⁄3).

Besides the above there are a great many fragments of horns, some of which, as mentioned by Professor Rolleston in his report on the fauna, might have been used as implements. One of the fragments labelled by this gentleman as being part of the horn of a reindeer, is a short flat tine, and bears the evidence of having been sawn off. It is 6 inches long and 2 broad at the base.

IV. Objects of Wood.

A large assortment of wooden implements was found chiefly in the refuse-heap, and in the portion of débris corresponding to the area of the log pavement. Owing to the softness of the wood and the large amount of moisture contained in its fibres, most of these relics have already shrunk to less than half their original bulk, and become so changed, though they were kept in a solution of alum for several weeks, that I am doubtful of being able to preserve them at all. Seeing the rapid decay they were undergoing, I got full-sized pencil-drawings taken of them, from which the accompanying illustrations have been engraved. They consist of bowls, plates, ladles, a mallet, a hoe, clubs, pins, etc., together with many objects entirely new to me, but which apparently had been used for culinary or agricultural purposes.

1.Vessels.—Fig. 101. Portions of a circular bowl, diameter 71⁄2inches, depth (inside) 3 inches, thickness1⁄4inch at edges and1⁄2inch at bottom; bottom flattened, 3 inches diameter (outside). Other fragments of vessels similar to the above were found.

Fig. 102. Flat dish, like scallop shell, with a ring handle, length 7 inches, breadth 6 inches, thickness varies from3⁄8inch to a thin edge. Quite whole when disinterred from refuse-heap.

Fig. 103. Portions of a plate, diameter nearly 10 inches, thickness3⁄8of an inch, depth barely 1 inch; a well-formed bead ran round the rim.

Fig. 104. Ladle. Bowl nearly complete, length 10 inches, breadth 8 inches, depth (inside) 31⁄2inches, thickness 1 to1⁄2inch; portion of handle still remaining.

Fig. 101 (1⁄8).

Fig. 102 (1⁄8).

Fig. 103 (1⁄8).

Fig. 104 (1⁄8).

Fig. 44. Trough, 111⁄2inches long, 6 broad, and 21⁄2deep (inside). Projecting ears 31⁄2inches long. Thickness of sides varied from1⁄4to 1 inch. Had three rectangular holes in bottom, of which the centre one was larger, measuring 1 by 11⁄2inch.

All the above vessels were made of soft wood, with the exception of the portions of bowls, which were of oak.

2.Clubs, Pins, etc.; all of which were made of oak.—Fig. 105. Club, 2 feet long, 3 inches broad, and 11⁄2thick; circumference of handle 31⁄2inches.

Fig. 106. Club, 141⁄2inches long, and greatest breadth 21⁄2.

Fig. 107. Sword-like implement, 20 inches long and 21⁄2broad; sharp at point and edges.

Fig. 108. Implement with round handle and thin blade, containing teeth at one edge, length 15 inches, and breadth 11⁄2.

Fig. 109. Knife-shaped instrument, blade 10 inches long by 1 broad.

Fig. 110. Round polished stick with charred end.

Fig. 105.Fig. 106.Fig. 107.

Fig. 108.Fig. 109.Fig. 110.(Scale1⁄8.)

Fig. 108.Fig. 109.Fig. 110.

(Scale1⁄8.)

Figs. 111 to 115 represent the various kinds of pins which were abundantly met with all over the crannog.

Fig. 115 is 14 inches long, 2 broad, and 11⁄8thick; the hole in it measures 15⁄8by3⁄4inch.

3.Agricultural Implements, etc.—Fig. 116. Mallet, head of which is 10 inches long and 16 in circumference; handle is 9 inches long and 5 in circumference.

Fig. 117. Scraper or hoe, 10 inches long and 4 broad;was cut out of a trunk of a tree, and had natural branch formed into a handle.

Fig. 111.Fig. 112.

Fig. 113.

Fig. 114.Fig. 115.(Scale1⁄8.)

Fig. 114.Fig. 115.

(Scale1⁄8.)

Fig. 118. Implement like boot or ploughshare, 10 inches long and 12 round the middle.

Fig. 119. Polished implement, 9 inches long, 51⁄4broad, and 2 thick (through the hole). The lower surface is flatter than the upper, and slightly curved upwards longitudinally.

Fig. 116 (1⁄8)

Fig. 117 (1⁄8).

Fig. 118 (1⁄8).

Fig. 120. Horseshoe-shaped implement, 2 inches thickand 2 deep at curve; greatest breadth 41⁄2inches from the tips of the horns; depth of hollow 31⁄2inches.

Fig. 119 (1⁄8). Fig. 120 (1⁄8).

Fig. 121 (1⁄8). Fig. 122 (1⁄8).

Fig. 121. Portion of a circular implement, about 8 inches in diameter, and having a round hole in centre and ten small holes along the margin (if the circle were completed at same rate there would be fifteen holes in the series). The central hole was 11⁄4inch in diameter, and had a tightly-fitting plug when found. The other holes were narrower in the middle, and large enough to admit of a common lead pencil to pass through. They also slanted slightly inwards, so that their axes, if prolonged, would meet at a common point about 6 inches from the central hole, and in the line of its axis.

Fig. 122. Circular wheel, with hole in its centre and pointed teeth at circumference; diameter 31⁄4inches, ditto of hole3⁄4inch, thickness1⁄2an inch.

Fig. 123 (1⁄24).

Fig. 123. Smooth piece of wood, 25 inches by 15, with square hole at top and two round ones at sides. Several other portions of boards, containing curious-shaped holes, were found.

Fig. 124 (1⁄24).

Fig. 124. Piece of wood like the back of a seat in a canoe, 28 inches long by 9 broad. It has a raised bead round the margin.

Fig. 36 shows one of the mortised beams with portion of its upright taken from the outer trench at north-east corner.

Many other pieces of wood have been collected which illustrate various points of interest. One has a square hole showing marks of a gouge; another has a similar hole, but indicates that it was cut out by a straight-edged implement like a small hatchet; while a third, being part of the round tenon of a prepared beam splintered off, contains a number of small holes with wooden pins, showing how it had been mended.

Fig. 125.—Outline of Canoe (1⁄24).

4.Canoes, Paddles, etc.—At the commencement of our explorations, as already mentioned, a canoe, hollowed out of a single oak trunk, was found about 100 yards north of the crannog. Its depth in the moss was well ascertained, owing to the fact that, though lying at the bottom of one of the original drains, it presented no obstruction to the flow of water, and consequently was then undisturbed. During the recent drainage all the drains were made a foot deeper, and hence its discovery. It measures 10 feet long, 2 feet 6 inches broad (inside), and 1 foot 9 inches deep. The bottom is flat and 4 inches thick, but its sides are thin and rise up abruptly. There are nine holes in its bottom,arranged in two rows, and about 15 inches apart, with the odd one at the apex. These holes are perfectly round, and exactly 1 inch in diameter, and when the canoe was disinterred they were quite invisible, being all tightly plugged (Fig. 125).

The oak paddle here figured was found on the crannog. It is double-bladed, 4 feet 8 inches long and 51⁄2inches broad (Fig. 126).

Fig. 126.—Oak Paddle (1⁄24).

A large oar, together with the blade portion of another, was found on the margin of the crannog, which has already been described (see page 96).

When the original drainage was carried out some forty years ago, I understand that two canoes, each of which was about 12 feet long, were found in the bed of the lake on the south-west side of the crannog.

V. Objects of Metal.

(a.)Articles made of Iron.—1. A gouge, 8 inches long; stem 11⁄4inch in circumference, slightly fluted before and behind; length of cutting edge3⁄4of an inch; handle portion contained beautiful green crystals of vivianite (Fig. 127).

2. A chisel, length 10 inches; handle portion 31⁄2inches long; contains crystals and small remnant of bone handle; below handle there is a thick rim of iron; cutting edge measures only1⁄2an inch, and slopes equally on both sides. Top shows evidence of being hammered (Fig. 128).

3. Two knives. One (Fig. 129) has a blade 6 inches long, and a pointed portion for being inserted into a handle; found on a level with, and close to, the lowest hearth, along with fragments of its handle made of stag's horn. The other(Fig. 47), found by a farmer in the débris long after it was thrown out of the trenches, was hafted on a different plan from the former, the end portion being broad and riveted to its handle by four iron rivets, which still remain. The blade is 6 inches long and much worn, being only1⁄4to1⁄2inch in breadth, and the handle portion is 31⁄2inches long. Its position in the crannog is therefore uncertain.

Fig. 127.—Iron Gouge (1⁄4).Fig. 128.—Iron Chisel (1⁄4)

Fig. 129.—Iron Knife (1⁄4).

4. A small punch, 21⁄2inches long—locality uncertain (Fig. 130).

Fig. 130.Iron Punch (1⁄4).

Fig. 130.

Iron Punch (1⁄4).

5. A bulky nail, some 4 inches long and1⁄2an inch in diameter, with large head; almost entirely converted into rust—locality uncertain.

6. A round pointed instrument, 11 inches long and 11⁄4inch in circumference; its end portion is square, with sharp tip, as if adapted for insertion into a handle.

7. An awl, 4 inches long.

8. Two spear-heads, 13 and 91⁄2inches long, with sockets for wooden handles, portions of which still remain in both sockets. The larger of the two (Fig. 131) is prominently ribbed along its centre, and has a small copper rivet passing through the end of its socket. The other has only a very faint ridge along the centre of the blade (Fig. 132).

Fig. 131.Fig. 132.Fig. 133.Fig. 134.Iron Weapons (1⁄4).

Fig. 131.Fig. 132.Fig. 133.Fig. 134.

Iron Weapons (1⁄4).

9. Five daggers. One (Fig. 133) has portion of a bone handle surrounded by a brass ferrule, and about an inch in front of this the remains of a guard are seen at the hilt of the blade; length of handle 31⁄4inches, and circumference of ferrule 21⁄2inches; the portion of the blade remaining is 6 inches long and rather more than an inch broad. Another, much corroded, has fragments of a wooden handle attached to it (Fig. 134). Fig. 135 represents a short pointed dagger, the blade of which is only 41⁄2inches long, though at thehilt it is 13⁄4inch broad. The others are mere portions of the blades, one of which is drawn at Fig. 136.

10. A large ring. It is 31⁄2inches in diameter, and has a small portion of wood attached to one side (Fig. 137).

11. A saw, in three pieces, two of which were joined when found, and the third was lying a few feet apart. The length of the three portions together is 38 inches; average breadth is about 3 inches; teeth perfectly distinct and set. A small hole is seen at the end of one of the fragments. This relic was found at east side, external to the circle of stockades surrounding the log pavement (Fig. 43).

Fig. 135.Fig.136.Fig.137.—Iron (1⁄4).Iron Weapons(1⁄2).

Fig. 135.Fig.136.Fig.137.—Iron (1⁄4).

Iron Weapons(1⁄2).

12. An iron shears, 61⁄4inches long (Fig. 138), was discovered on the site of the crannog by Captain William Gillon, 71st Highland Light Infantry, F.S.A. Scot. In presenting this shears, along with the hone-stone (Fig. 54), to the "National Collection," Captain Gillon thus describes the circumstances which led him to its discovery: "Having been in Ayrshire for the last five months, and within a shortdistance of Lochlee farm, I have had several opportunities of visiting the site of the crannog, which was discovered there in 1878, and has since proved so rich in relics.... Although the crannog had been filled up, I determined to visit the site in the hope of finding some stray relic which might have escaped the eye of former explorers. In February 1881, Mr. Drummond, farmer, Pockenave, went with me, and as he had been present at the previous excavations, he showed me the most likely place for a 'find.'

"After looking about for half an hour, I was lucky enough to find the shears, which I forwarded to Professor Duns for examination, as I did not observe any articles similar to this in the Museum of Kilmarnock. On a subsequent occasion I found the hone-stone. I did not notice any hone-stones with a like groove in the Kilmarnock Museum, but on driving out to the crannog which is being excavated at Buston, near Kilmaurs, Dr. Munro showed me one which was of the same nature as the one I had found, only the groove was shorter and across the stone, and it had in addition a 'cupped hollow' in the centre, while this one has the groove lengthways." (See Fig. 54.)—Proceed. Soc. Antiq. Scot.vol. iii. new series, p. 247.[26]

13. Fig. 46 (p. 96) represents portion of a much corroded hatchet, about 6 inches long and 2 broad immediately below socket, but gets wider towards the cutting edge. Thickness through centre of socket is 11⁄2inch. The back of socket was round, and had no projecting portion. Total weight 121⁄2ounces. It had a small bit of the wooden handle in the socket when found.

14. A curved portion of iron, like part of a door staple, found amongst débris, but locality undetermined.

Fig. 138.—Shears (61⁄4inches).Fig.139.—Iron (1⁄5).

15. A curious three-pronged implement (Fig. 139) was found, about 3 feet deep, in the large drain a few yards tothe south of crannog; the prongs are curved, very sharp at the points, and attached laterally; they are 21⁄2inches apart and 4 inches long; a portion of the handle is twisted spirally; its total length is 3 feet 9 inches.

Fig. 140.—Fibula (1⁄1).

Fig. 141.—Fibula (1⁄1).

16. A much corroded pickaxe was found about the middle of the lake area. The end of the axe portion is nearly 5 inches broad, and the whole length of the implement is 22 inches.

Fig. 142.—Fibula (1⁄1).

Fig. 143.—Back view of Fibula, Fig. 142.

Fig. 144.—Bronze Ring Pin (1⁄2).

Fig. 145.—Bronze Implement with transverse sections (1⁄2).

(b.)Articles made of Bronze or Brass.—1. Two fibulæ, represented full size in Figs. 140 and 141, found about the centre of the refuse-heap. Figs. 142 and 143 represent sideand back views of a third fibula, much more elaborately ornamented, which was subsequently found in the débriswhen closing up the trenches. The diamond-shaped spaces on its back were originally filled with enamel.

2. A bronze ring pin, 6 inches long. The square-shaped portion at the top has a different device on each side, and the shank from its middle to the point is ornamented on both sides (Fig. 144).[27]

3. A bronze spatula or dagger-shaped instrument. It is very well preserved, and although shaped like a dagger, the edges are not sharp. Its length is about 111⁄4inches and breadth 11⁄2inch (Fig. 145).

4. Portion of strong wire, 4 inches long, showing evidence of having been in the fire.

5. Thin spiral finger-ring (Fig. 146).

6. Fig. 147 represents a curious bronze object about 33⁄8inches long; diameter of ring portion is 1 inch; the transverse bar at the other end is slit longitudinally and pierced transversely by a small hole about its centre.

Fig. 146.—Finger Ring (1⁄1).

Fig. 147 (1⁄2).

7. Curved and slightly grooved bronze wire, 21⁄4inches long, and precisely similar to the upper portion of a modern safety-pin.

Fig. 148.—Bridle Bit (1⁄2).

(c.)Article made of Iron and Bronze.—A bridle bit. This consists of two large rings and a centre-piece. Its extreme length is 101⁄2inches, the outer diameter of the rings is ratherless than 3 inches, and the centre-piece, which is entirely made of iron, is 33⁄4inches long. The rings are partly iron and partly bronze, the circular portion being iron and the rest bronze. The bronze portion is 21⁄2inches long, and has two eyes or loops, one of which is attached to the centre-piece and the other free. This interesting relic was turned up by two visitors poking with a stick at the south-east corner of the refuse-heap (Fig. 148).

A round knob of lead, as if intended for the hilt of a hand weapon, was found very near the surface of the mound.

VI. Miscellaneous Objects.

1.Carved Wood.—Perhaps the most interesting of all the relics discovered on the crannog is a small piece of ash wood, about 5 inches square, having curious diagrams carved on both sides. On one side (Fig. 149), three equidistant spiral grooves, with corresponding ridges between, start from near a common centre and radiate outwards till they join, at uniform distances, a common circle which surrounds the diagram. On the other side (Fig. 150) is a similar diagram, with this difference, that between the points of commencement of the spiral grooves there is a space left which is occupied by a small circular groove surrounding the central depression or point. This figure is surmounted and overlapped by two convoluted and symmetrical grooves meeting each other in an elevated arch, with a small depression in its centre. The relic was found on the west side of the crannog, about 4 feet deep, and near the line of the horizontal raised beams.

Fig. 149.—Carved Wood (1⁄1).

2.Fringe-like Objects.—Another object which has excited considerable curiosity is an apparatus made like a fringe by simply plaiting together at one end the long stems of a kind of moss (Fig. 151). Portions of similar articles were found in three different parts of the crannog, and all deeply buried.The one figured here, and the most neatly formed, was found in the relic-bed; another about a couple of yards north of the fireplace, and others at the south-west side, a little external to the area of the log pavement. In this latter place a largequantity was found, but although the evidence of having been plaited at one end was quite distinct, the stems of the moss were not prepared with the same care as in the one figured overleaf, as the leaflets were still adhering to them.The cue or pigtail, described at page 95, seems to have been formed of the same material as the so-called girdles or fringes.

Fig. 150.—Carved Wood—other side of Fig. 149 (1⁄1).

Fig. 151 (1⁄3).—Made from stems of a moss (Polytrichum commune).

3.Leather Objects.—Fig. 152 is the representation of a fragment of a curious object, consisting of two portions of thick leather kept together by stout square-cut copper nails. These nails are broader at one end than the other, and pass completely through the layers of leather, after which they appear to be slightly riveted. The relic, as it stands, contains six nails, arranged in two rows, three in each row, and measures 21⁄2by 2 inches, but the marks of additional nails are seen all round. Several portions of leather were collected from time to time. On the occasion of Mr. Joseph Anderson's visit to Lochlee, he found a shoe in the stuff justthrown out of the bottom of the outer trench at the south side of the crannog. Other portions were picked up on the surface of the trestle-work, showing marks of having been neatly sewed. Also two stout thongs, one with a slit at the end through which the other thong passed and then formed a knot, together with a portion of coarse leather about the size of the palm of my hand, were found near the junction of the gangway with the crannog.

Fig. 152.—Portion of Leather with Copper Nails (1⁄1).

4.Beads.—Two fragments of beads, one fluted, the other smooth, and shaped like dumb-bells (Figs. 153 and 154).

Fig. 153.—Beads (1⁄1).

Fig. 154.—Glass (1⁄1).

Fig. 155.—Bone Ring (1⁄1).

5.Rings.—A small bone (?) ring3⁄4inch in diameter, and portion of another similar to the former, but a little larger.

6.Pottery.—(1.) The bottom of a dish made of reddish pottery, said to be Samian ware, was found in a drain close to the crannog. Its diameter is 31⁄2inches. (2.) Five small portions of a whitish unglazed ware, with circular striæ, as if made on the wheel, have been picked up in the débris after it had been wheeled out and lain exposed to the weather for some time, but the original situation of a single bit has not been determined. These fragments might all belong to the same vessel, and two of them, though found at different parts and at different times, fit each other exactly.

7.Crucible.—A fragment of a small crucible coarsely made, and not unlike that found at Dowalton (Fig. 15), was for a long time mistaken for a bit of unglazed pottery. It was found in the débris after it was wheeled out and had lain exposed for a while.

Fig. 156.Fig. 157.Portions of Jet Armlets (1⁄2).

Fig. 156.Fig. 157.

Portions of Jet Armlets (1⁄2).

8.Lignite, Jet, etc.—(1.) A small bit of a black substance like a jet button. (2.) Two portions of armlets made of lignite or jet, each about 2 inches long, were found near the wooden platform at the north-east corner. One is a little thicker and coarser than the other, and forms part of a circle, which, if completed, would measure exactly 3 inches across (internal diameter). The other is polished and of a jet black colour, internal diameter 23⁄4inches. A third fragment of a similar ornament was found in the débris when closing up the crannog. It is more slender and has a smaller diameter than either of the others. The portion of ring made of shale found at the bottom of the deep shaft below the log pavement is smaller than either of these, its internal diameter being only 2 inches, and its external 31⁄4(Figs. 156 and 157).

9.Tusks.—The large number of boars' tusks met with, quite unconnected with the bones of the animal, especially in the relic-bed around the fireplaces, suggests the idea that they may have been used as implements. One only, however, was found to have decided marks of having been formed into a tool. It is 31⁄2inches long, and very sharply pointed (Fig. 158).

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