Get the Scoop

This wooden object has been made from an elder twig which is naturally hollow, but has been carefully cut at the ends to create a scoop-like implement. It might have been used to measure out small quantities of powder or grain, for example. It dates to the early 12th century AD and was discovered during excavations on Perth High Street in 1977.  

The scoop was in need of some careful treatment by our conservators. Cracking was causing the scoop to become unstable. Our conservators cleaned the object and removed excess adhesive and PEG from previous treatments before stabilising the cracks with adhesives.