Stone with runic inscription (cast)

This is a cast of one of a number of stones carved with runic inscriptions on the inside walls of the neolithic chambered cairn at Maes Howe at Stenness on Orkney. The carvings were made between 1150 and 1200.

The inscription, when combined with another nearby, translates as 'These runes were carved by that man who is the most skilled in runes in the Western Sea, with the axe which belonged to Gaukr the son of Trandill from the south of Iceland.'

During the late 11th century or 12th century, Norse visitors or tomb robbers broke into Maes Howe and carved around 30 runic inscriptions. The inscriptions include descriptions of treasure, crusaders and beautiful women.

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