Carved stone object

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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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-506-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: 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
  Object
  
• 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
  
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