Urn and three plugs

This steatite urn and three steatite plugs were found in a grave at Quandale on Rousay in Orkney. They were found with cremated human remains in a grave in a cemetery. The grave dates from between 1850 and 1400 BC.

The urn has decorative grooves on the outside just below its rim. The plugs have grooved edges.

The steatite plugs may have been stoppers for organic containers, also buried as grave goods. The steatite used to make the urn and plugs must have been imported from Shetland.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-035-908-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.EQ 440
• Date: Between 1850 and 1400 BC
  
• Material: Steatite; flat, oval; grooved edges
  Steatite; flat, oval; grooved edges
  Steatite; flat, oval; grooved edges
  Steatite; large
  Stone
  Stone
  Cover
  Cover
  Plug
  Plug
  Plug
  Vessel
  
• Dimensions: 6.50" - 7.00" H
  
• What: Cover
  Cover
  Plug
  Plug
  Plug
  Vessel
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Quandale
  Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Quandale
  Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Quandale
  Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Quandale
  Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Quandale
  Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Quandale
  
• Event:
• Description: Large steatite vessel from Quandale, Rousay
  Stone cover from Quandale, Rousay
  Stone cover from Quandale, Rousay
  Steatite plug from Quandale, Rousay
  Steatite plug from Quandale, Rousay
  Steatite plug from Quandale, Rousay
  
• References:
  • Grant, W.G. Excavation of Bronze Age burial mounds at Quandale, Rousay, Orkney. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 71 (1936-7), pp 72-84. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: