Toy Quern (Piece)

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Querns are stone handmills used for grinding corn. This sandstone disc is the upper stone of a miniature quern which was probably used as a toy. The disc was found at Jarlshof in Shetland and dates from between 900 and 1000.

The disc has a vertical slot in the side for a handle and a rind socket on its lower face for an attachment which would prevent it from slipping off the lower stone.

Several miniature quern- and millstones were found at Jarlshof, and the use of everyday equipment as models for toys seems to be characteristic of the Viking period. However, miniature quern- and millstones are rare outside Shetland.

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-181-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 4101
• Date: Between 900 and 1000
  
• Material: Sandstone, yellow; vertical slot in side; rind socket on one face
  Quern, toy
  
• Dimensions: 1.80" D
  
• What: Quern, toy
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Toy quern of sandstone from Jarlshof
  
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