000-000-136-622-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Bone from Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney
This ox bone was found at the Broch of Burrian on North Ronaldsay in Orkney. It may have been used as a playing piece. The object dates from between 500 and 800.
The bone is a phalange (toe bone) which has been decorated on both sides. On this side it has been carved with a Pictish symbol commonly known as the crescent and V-rod.
Monumental stones and some portable objects were decorated by the Picts with a range of unusual symbols, some of everyday objects and others more abstract. Many theories have been proposed to explain their meaning which nevertheless remain obscure.
Record details
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| Online ID: |
000-000-136-622-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0035: Early Scottish Shelter - Life in the Prehistoric Home (multimedia essay)
Project description | View all records in project |
| Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.GB 227 |
| Date: |
Between 500 and 800
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| Material: |
Bone, ox; incised on one side with a crescent and V rod and on the other with a circular disc and rectangle with square indentations
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| Dimensions: |
2.20" L
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| What: |
Phalanx, ox / playing piece
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| Subject: |
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| Who: |
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| Where: |
Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
Ox phalanx with incised Pictish symbols, possibly a playing piece or king piece, from Burrian
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| References: |
- MacGregor, Arthur. The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 105 (1972-4), pp 63-118, esp. pp 88, 102-3, 111.
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