Painted pebble

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This painted pebble is one of a number found outside the four brochs at Keiss in Caithness. It dates from sometime between 200 and 800 AD.

The pebble has been painted with dots and lines in no obvious pattern.

Painted pebbles have been found at a number of Pictish sites in northern Scotland. Several functions have been suggested, including playing pieces, sling bolts decorated with emblems or messages, cult objects or charm stones.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-904-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GA 502
• Date: Between 200 and 800 AD
  
• Material: Stone; painted
  Pebble
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Pebble
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Caithness, Keiss
  
• Event:
• Description: Painted pebble from Keiss, Caithness
  
• References:
  • Ritchie, Anna. Painted pebbles in early Scotland Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 104 (1971-2), pp 297-301.
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