Decorated stone

This decorated stone slab was found while ploughing at Brodgar in Orkney, associated with four cists. It dates from between 3100 and 2500 BC.

The flat, narrow surface of the stone is decorated with eight vertical bands of geometric decoration.

Symbols played a part in early beliefs. Designs on stones from tombs and monuments must have had special significance. These cists were in an area of ritual importance through the ages, near the stone circle and ritual complexes of Stenness and Brodgar.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-433-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IA 44
• Date: Between 3100 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Sandstone, old red; incised ornamentation
  Slab
  
• Dimensions: 120 mm H x 330 mm L x 770 mm W
  
• What: Slab
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Stenness, Brodgar
  
• Event:
• Description: Decorated slab of old red sandstone, from Brodgar, Orkney
  
• 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 257-8. 
• Translations:
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