Casgliadau Arlein

Segment cut longitudinally from and antler tine or beam to produce a slightly curving plaque of plano-convex cross section. There are two circular perforations at either end for attachment. The convex face, smoothed and partially polished has incised intersecting diagonal lines and a transverse groove forming a bead at each end. Possibly a small knife handle. Handles of this form are found on iron knives dating to the first century (Manning, 1985, 112, PL.53-4).