Toy millstone

Add to album

Millstones are pairs of heavy disc-shaped stones that are rotated against one another to grind grain. This miniature millstone was probably used as a toy. It was found at Jarlshof in Shetland and dates from between 900 and 1000.

The miniature version of an upper millstone is made of steatite - a soft, easily worked stone which distributes heat well. It has a rind socket on its underside and a slightly domed and faceted upper surface. The underside has been worn by rotation.

The toy is an important piece of evidence in the history of water-powered milling in Scotland. The remains of a roughly contemporary horizontal-wheel watermill have been excavated at the Earl's Bu in Orphir in Orkney.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-042-667-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 761
• Date: Between 900 and 1000
  
• Material: Steatite; upper surface slightly domed and faceted; central hole; rind socket; no handle hole; lower surface worn by rotation
  Millstone, toy
  
• Dimensions: 2.80" D; 0.90" deep; central hole 0.50" D
  
• What: Millstone, toy
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Toy steatite millstone from Jarlshof
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: