Carved stone ball

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This carved stone ball was found near the Broch of Yarhouse 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 ball has been carved with eight large and three small 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: 000-180-001-394-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 181
• Date: Between 3200 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: large
  Ball, carved
  
• Dimensions: 2.75" Dia
  
• What: Ball, carved
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Caithness, Broch of Yarhouse
  
• Event:
• Description: Carved ball found near Broch of Yarhouse, 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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