from Balfarg, Fife

Pot

This pot, of a type known as a handled beaker, was found in a deep, slab-covered pit containing a skeleton and flint knife, at the centre of the henge monument at Balfarg in Fife. The burial dates from sometime between 2000 and 1700 BC.

The pot was damaged when found and has been restored. The exterior was decorated with incised lines made with a pointed tool. The section between the base and top section is decorated with alternating rectangular and diamond-shaped panels.

The henge (circular earthwork) at Balfarg was a ceremonial centre. Within it were at least one timber ring and probably two stone rings. The burial at the centre, probably that of an male adolescent, is a later intrusion.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-043-978-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.EPB 152
Date:	Between 2000 and 1700 BC
Material:	Ceramic, black core, dark brown inside, mid brown outside, friable, heavily tempered with fine grits, slip outside; ring built; roughly incised decoration; two hollows inside (burnt out inclusions), crumbled base; found crushed, restored
Dimensions:	1.54 l cubic capacity
What:	Pottery / beaker
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Fife, Markinch, Balfarg
Event:
Description:	Handled beaker, found crushed but now restored, of friable ware heavily tempered with fine grits, mid brown slip outside, with roughly incised decoration, from Balfarg, Fife
References:	Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp 88, 243.
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