Carved stone ball

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This carved stone ball was found at Buchan in Aberdeenshire. 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 is decorated with spiral ornament.

Carved stone balls are distinctly Scottish objects, with over 425 known. Most have been found in Aberdeenshire. They are similar in size and a few are decorated with spirals and curved motifs, as is this example.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-033-236-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AS 143
• Date: Between 3200 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Granite, red; with spiral ornament
  Ball
  
• Dimensions: 2.81" D
  
• What: Ball
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Buchan
  
• Event:
• Description: Carved stone ball with spiral ornament, from Buchan, Aberdeenshire
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, pp 58-9. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: