Pot

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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: 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
  Pottery / beaker
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
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