Carved object of stone

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This carved stone object is one of several fancy stone items found at Skara Brae on Orkney. It was a prestige object, and dates from between 3400 and 2000 BC.

The object is round in cross-section and has four pyramid-shaped knobs on each end.

Several unusually-shaped carved stone objects were found at Skara Brae. Many functions for them have been suggested. All that is certain is that they were prestigious possessions, symbols of power.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-503-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 663
• Date: Between 3400 and 2000 BC
  
• Material: Stone, black with light speckles; oval; central portion encircled by a band of ridged decoration, two groups of 5 ridges alternately horizontal and vertical, each end, by means of two grooves at right angles, formed into four large triangular knobs
  Ball
  
• Dimensions: 3.60" L x 2.50" central D
  
• What: Ball
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
  
• Event:
• Description: Carved stone ball from Skara Brae
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp. 59, 245. 
  • Marshall, D.N. Carved stone balls. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 108 (1976-7), pp 40-79. 
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