from Buchromb, Banffshire
000-180-001-347-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Carved stone ball
This carved stone ball was found at Buchromb in Banffshire. 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 ball of granitic stone has been carved with three large circular knobs, one of which is damaged, and two raised triangular spaces. Carved stone balls were carved with between three to 160 knobs, but six is the most common number.
Carved stone balls are distinctly Scottish objects, with over 425 known, all but a handful found in Scotland. The majority have been found between the Moray Firth and the River Tay, especially in Aberdeenshire.
Record details
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| Online ID: |
000-180-001-347-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project |
| Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.AS 91 |
| Date: |
Between 3200 and 2500 BC
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| Material: |
Granitic
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| Dimensions: |
2.75" Dia
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| What: |
Ball
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| Subject: |
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| Who: |
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| Where: |
Scotland, Banffshire, Buchromb
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
Ball of granitic stone from Buchromb, Banffshire
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| References: |
- Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, 18-9.
- Marshall, D.N. Carved stone balls. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 108 (1976-7), pp 40-72.
- Ritchie, Graham and Ritchie, Anna. Scotland. Archaeology and early history. London: Thames and Hudson, 1981, p 46.
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