From Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney; Jarlshof, Shetland
![Postcard of Pebble, an oxbone and a stone disc.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00986496.jpg&PHPSESSID=a2gb9p71e1m8nqi0qko9ruu606) 000-100-038-138-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Pebble, an oxbone and a stone disc
This pebble and ox bone from the Broch of Burrian on North Ronaldsay in Orkney and stone disc from Jarlshof in Shetland were all decorated with Pictish symbols. The objects date from between 500 and 800.
The long stone is incised on one side with a pentacle (a five-pointed star) and other markings. The bone is incised with a crescent and V- rod on one side and a rectangle on the other. The disc is incised with a double-disc and Z-rod symbol.
Monumental stones and some portable objects were decorated by the Picts with a range of unusual symbols, some of everyday objects and others more abstract. Many theories have been proposed to explain their meaning which nevertheless remain obscure.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-100-038-138-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.HSA 4042 |
Date: |
Between 500 and 800
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Material: |
Bone, ox; incised on one side with a crescent and V rod and on the other with a circular disc and rectangle with square indentations Sandstone; abraded both ends; incised on one side with a hexagram and on the other with a pentacle and various subsidiary markings Sandstone; thick; on one face incised Pictish symbol of 'spectacles' crossed by rod
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Dimensions: |
2.20" L 2.30" D 5.90" L
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What: |
Disc Pebble Phalanx, ox / playing piece
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Subject: |
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Who: |
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Where: |
Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
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Event: |
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Description: |
Pictish sandstone pebble incised on one side with a hexagram and on the other with a pentacle and various subsidiary markings, from Burrian Ox phalanx with incised Pictish symbols, possibly a playing piece or king piece, from Burrian Thick sandstone disc with an incised Pictish symbol of 'spectacles' crossed by a rod on one face, from Jarlshof
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References: |
- MacGregor, Arthur. The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 105 (1972-4), pp 63-118, esp. pp 88, 95-6, 111, 113.
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