Toy millstone

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

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Online ID:	000-100-042-667-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: 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
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
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