Carved stone ball

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This carved stone ball was found at Huntly in Aberdeenshire. 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 has been carved with four projecting knobs, and three triangular projections between them. Carved stone balls have been found with as many as 160 knobs, but six is the most common number, followed by four.

Carved stone balls are distinctly Scottish objects, with over 425 known, all but a handful found in Scotland. While most are decorated with knobs, the treatment varies. Some are rounded, while others are squared. Some are barely outlined, while others are deeply cut to form prominent knobs. On some balls, such as this one, the spaces between the knobs have special treatment.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-391-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AS 177
• Date: Between 3200 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Stone
  Ball
  
• Dimensions: 2.75" Dia
  
• What: Ball
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Huntly
  
• Event:
• Description: Ball of stone from Huntly, Aberdeenshire
  
• 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.
• Translations:
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