Latitude 50° 19.1 N
Longitude 004° 14.2 W
Depth 20m
Accuracy 500m
Object Type Holystone
Material Pumice
Description Round Holystone
Markings None
Diameter 162mm
Weight 2065 gms
Height 84mm
Condition Good
Completeness 100%
Number of items 1
Location Description Taxiarchos Wreck site, Rame

Holystone (12A19)

This small holystone was found near the wreck of the Greek brig Taxiarchos, lost on Rame Head in 1843. The holystone is made of pumice rather than the more usual sandstone and is well polished on one side. On the upper side is a square hole cut diagonally into the stone with the remains of a piece of wood at the lower end.

Holystones were used for scouring the wooden deck of a ship with sea water and sand added as an abrasive. Once dried in the sun this would leave the wooden deck clean and bleached white.

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Images

Upper side of the holystone showing the square hole

Underside of the holystone showing the polished surface

Holystones being used for scouring the deck of a ship

References

Taxiarchos Wreck