Carved stone ball

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This carved stone ball was found at Alness in Ross-shire. It dates from between 3200 and 2500 BC. Many functions have been suggested for these objects. Whatever their function, they were prestigious possessions, symbols of power.

The ball has been carved with six knobs and six intervening triangular facets. Carved stone balls have been found with as many as 160 knobs, but six is the most common number.

Carved stone balls are distinctly Scottish objects, with over 425 known, all but a handful found in Scotland. While most are decorated with knobs, the treatment varies. Some are rounded, while others are squared. Some are barely outlined, while others are deeply cut to form prominent knobs. On some balls, such as this one, the spaces between the knobs have special treatment.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-163-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AS 120
• Date: Between 3200 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Gritty
  Ball
  
• Dimensions: 2.50" Dia
  
• What: Ball
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Alness
  
• Event:
• Description: Ball of gritty stone from Alness, Ross and Cromarty
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, 18-9. 
  • Marshall, D.N. Carved stone balls. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 108 (1976-7), pp 40-72. 
  • Ritchie, Graham and Ritchie, Anna. Scotland. Archaeology and early history. London: Thames and Hudson, 1981, p 46.
• Translations:
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