000-180-001-381-C
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Carved stone ball
This carved stone ball was found in Caithness. 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 sandstone ball was carved with 23 projecting knobs. Carved stone balls have been found with as many as 160 knobs, but six is the most common number. Stones with 23 knobs are unusual.
Carved stone balls are distinctly Scottish objects, with over 425 known. Most are single finds, which makes them difficult to date or to determine their function. They are remarkably similar in size and show many similarities in design.
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000-180-001-381-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project |
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National Museums Scotland |
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Between 3200 and 2500 BC
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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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