Carved stone ball

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This carved stone ball was found at Contullich 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 diorite ball was carved with six knobs. 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. They are remarkably similar in size. They were decorated with knobs carved in relief or with incised spirals, circles or other patterns.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-380-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 158
• Date: Between 3200 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Diorite
  Ball, carved
  
• Dimensions: 2.69" Dia
  
• What: Ball, carved
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Alness, Contullich
  
• Event:
• Description: Carved ball of diorite from Contullich, 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.
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