Toy millstones and quernstones

Querns are stone hand mills used for grinding grain or corn. Millstones are pairs of heavy disc-shaped stones that are rotated against one another to grind grain. These toy quernstones and millstone were found at the Norse settlement site of Jarlshof in Shetland.

The discs of the upper stones of the toy querns survive. They have holes or hollows near the edges where handles would have been inserted for turning the stones. The millstone preserves the rind socket, and has been worn smooth in use.

People have lived at Jarlshof from the Bronze Age onwards. In the Viking period, the quality of the finds show that the inhabitants were prosperous, with links to the Scandinavian world. These objects are rare glimpses into the activities of children.

Record details

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