Drawing of two bone objects. At the top is a bone weaving comb. The bottom object is an antler offcut that may have been intended to be used as a handle for a knife.

Description Drawing of two bone objects. At the top is a bone weaving comb. The bottom object is an antler offcut that may have been intended to be used as a handle for a knife.

Date c. 1895 to 1920

Collection Papers of John Nicolson, antiquarian, Keiss, Caithness, Scotland

Catalogue Number E 36283 CN

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 876633

Scope and Content Watercolour of a bone weaving comb and antler offcut from Keiss Road broch, Caithness, Highland Keiss Road broch is located in a field just north of Keiss in north-east Caithness. It lies next to a cemetery just west of the main road to John O' Groats, and can still be visited today. The site was partially excavated by Samuel Laing in 1864, although it appears he was exploring a shell midden running under the broch. Sir Francis Tress Barry (1825-1907) excavated the broch and outbuildings between 1893-95. This watercolour by John Nicolson (1843-1934), a local factor, shows two objects that were recovered during Bary's excavations. At the top is a bone weaving comb that would have been used for textile production. The bottom object is an antler offcut that may have been intended to be used as a handle for a knife or some other implement. Nicolson was born in Stemster, John O' Groats, and lived at Nybster for most of his life. He was a skilled sculptor and artist with a keen interest in the archaeology of Caithness and assisted with many of Barry's excavations. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

External Reference PPD no number 29

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/875514