Stone ball

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This plain stone ball was found at Kirkwall in Orkney. It was probably used as a hammerstone or rubbingstone, and could date any time between 8000 BC and 1000 AD.

The ball is pocked over much of its surface but smooth in one area.

Carved stone balls without any decoration are difficult to date or to be certain of their function. Some were used as missiles, while others were used as rubbers or hammerstones. This example was probably used for both hammering and rubbing.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-696-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 44
• Date: Between 8000 BC and 1000 AD
  
• Material: Stone
  Ball
  
• Dimensions: 3.38" D
  
• What: Ball
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Kirkwall and St Ola, Kirkwall
  
• Event:
• Description: Plain stone ball pecked into shape, from Kirkwall, Orkney
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: