perhaps from Aberdeenshire
000-180-001-403-C
© National Museums Scotland |
|
Carved stone ball
This carved stone ball is believed to have been found 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 granite ball has been carved with six prominent knobs. Carved stone balls have been found with as many as 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. While most are decorated with knobs, the treatment varies. Some are rounded, while others are squared. Some are barely outlined, while others, such as this one, are deeply cut to form prominent knobs.
Record details
To search on related items, click any linked text below.
| Online ID: |
000-180-001-403-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 195 |
| Date: |
Between 3200 and 2500 BC
|
| Material: |
Granite
|
| Dimensions: |
3.20" Dia
|
| What: |
Ball, carved
|
| Subject: |
|
| Who: |
|
| Where: |
Scotland, Aberdeenshire
|
| Event: |
|
| Description: |
Carved ball of granite, probably from 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.
Find in NLS: Title, Author, Title+Author or British Library: Title, Author, Title+Author
|
| Translations: |
|
| Related Records: |
|
