Quernstone

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A quernstone was used to grind corn or grain. This example was found at the site of the royal hillfort of Dunadd in Argyll. This quern stands out from other similar objects due to its quality, source of stone and its decoration with a small incised cross.

The quernstone has a grooved central hole. A wooden handle was inserted into the hole near the edge to turn the stone. The form of the incised cross, with its expanded terminals, is known from other Christian sites influenced by the monastery of Iona.

Quernstones were an essential tool, used in Scotland into the 18th century, especially on rural sites. They were an effective, if laborious, method for grinding. Some quernstones in the first millennium AD were widely traded.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-039-008-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GP 323
• Date: Between 580 and 800
  
• Material: Stone, micaceous; grooved round central hole; oblique handle slot; cross incised near edge
  
• Dimensions: 15.75" D
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Argyll, Dunadd
  Scotland, Argyll, Kilmartin, Dunadd
  
• Event:
• Description: Quernstone of micaceous stone with a cross incised near the edge, from Dunadd
  
• References:
  • Cambell, Ewan. A cross-marked quern from Dunadd and other evidence for relations between Dunadd and Iona. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 117 (1987), 105-117. 
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