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Bone from Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney

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Bone from Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney
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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.

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