Ochre grinding block

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This small sandstone block with a circular hollow was found at the site of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney. It has traces of ochre, a reddish-brown earth used for early paints or dyes. It had been used to grind the ochre into a powder.

Sandstone block with ochre traces from Skara Brae

This is one of several grinding vessels found at Skara Brae. Others include an oyster shell. The pigment could have been used to adorn people, artefacts or both.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-138-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 28
• Date: Between 3500 and 2000 BC
  
• Material: Sandstone, red; containing reddish pigment
  Block
  
• Dimensions: 2.75" x 3.50"
  
• What: Block
  
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• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
  
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