Billhook knife

Burial from Veien – cremation grave from the Early Roman Iron Age
c.0-160CE

The grave containing the billhook can be dated to the early Roman Iron Age. During this period, grave goods at Veien are characterized by bone combs and other smaller tools. Billhooks are often found in graves as part of a larger "tool kit," along with other items such as sickles, needles, and regular knives.  

The difference between a billhook and a standard knife is the curved edge of the billhook. Billhooks also differ from sickles, which have a sharpened edge on the inside of the curve. Billhooks were likely used for working hides and leather, by removing layers of fat and tissue from the animal skins, which would then be crafted into items such as shoes. 

Billhooks are commonly found in both male and female graves dating to the Roman Iron Age. We cannot be sure whether this grave is for a male or a female. However, the size of the handle seems to be on the smaller side and not typically fitting for a man's hand.