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Carved stone object

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From Skara Brae, Orkney

Postcard of Carved stone object.
000-100-040-506-C
© National Museums Scotland

Carved stone object

This carved stone object is one of several unusually shaped stone objects found at the Neolithic settlement site of Skara Brae in Orkney. Its function is unknown, but similar objects have been found in communal tombs elsewhere in Orkney.

The three points of the T-shaped object have been carefully marked off from the central decorative area by grooves. The central decoration consists of panels in a chequer-board pattern on either side, with the space between filled with linear ornament.

Several unusually-shaped carved stone objects were found at Skara Brae. Many functions for them have been suggested. All that is certain is that they were prestigious possessions, symbols of power.


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Online ID: 000-100-040-506-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 666
Date: Between 3100 and 2500 BC
Material: Stone; triple pointed, one point being central, and at right angles, to the other two, points are marked off from central decorated areas by carefully executed encircling grooves; decoration consists of an area of chequer board pattern on either side
Dimensions: 7.50" L x 4.20" H x 2.20" D
What: Object
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
Event:
Description: Mysterious decorated T-shaped stone object, from Skara Brae
References:
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