Carved stone ball

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This carved stone ball was found at Olrig near Castletown in Caithness. 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 sandstone ball has been carved with four projecting knobs. Carved stone balls have been found with as many as 160 knobs, but six is the most common number, followed by four.

Carved stone balls are distinctly Scottish objects, with over 425 known, and new ones regularly found. Most are single finds, which makes them difficult to date or to determine their function. They are remarkably similar in size and show many similarities in design.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-354-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 99
• Date: Between 3200 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Sandstone
  Ball
  
• Dimensions: 2.75" Dia
  
• What: Ball
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Caithness, Castletown, Olrig
  
• Event:
• Description: Ball of sandstone from Olrig, Castletown, Caithness
  
• 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.
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