Record

Maceheads

< 1 of 1 > Back

from Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness and Tormore, Arran

Postcard of Maceheads.
000-190-004-056-C
© National Museums Scotland

Maceheads

A mace was a ceremonial weapon. These stone maceheads, of polished granite, were found in communal tombs at Ormiegill at Ulbster in Caithness and at Tormore on the island of Arran. They were prestige items, used to display status.

Mace head of polished grey granite, ovoid C type, from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness

Stone maceheads were used as prestige items - symbols of power and, possibly, of rank - for several centuries. They were often made from attractive rocks, and rarely show signs of use.


Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID: 000-190-004-056-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.EO 241
Date: Between 3100 and1800 BC
Material: Granite, grey; perforated; polished
Granitic stone, mottled; polished
Dimensions: 4.00" x 2.50"
What: Mace head
Mace head
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Bute, Arran, Kilmory, Tormore
Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill
Event:
Description: Mace head of polished mottled granitic stone, ovoid C type, from Tormore, Arran
References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp 62, 236-7. 
Translations:
Related Records:
< 1 of 1 > Back
 
Powered by Scran