Carved stone ball

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This carved stone ball was found at an unknown location. It dates from between 3200 and 2500 BC. Many functions have been suggested for these objects. Whatever their function, they were prestigious possessions, symbols of power.

The stone ball has six larger knobs and a small knob. In addition, three knobs have been incised. The stone is quite weathered, obscuring some details.

Carved stone balls are distinctly Scottish objects, with over 425 known. Most have been found in Aberdeenshire. They are similar in size. Many, as this example, have stone knobs, with six the most common number.

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-410-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AS 206
• Date: between 3200 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Stone, grey-brown, weathered; six larger knobs and one small knob; three knobs incised
  Ball
  
• Dimensions: 2.60" D
  
• What: Ball
  
• Subject:
• Who:
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• Description: Ball of weathered grey-brown stone with six larger knobs and one small knob, three knobs incised, locality unknown, between 3200 and 2500 BC
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, pp 58-9. 
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