Carved stone ball

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This carved stone ball was found at Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire. It was a symbol of power, used between 3200 and 2500 BC.

The ball has four circular knobs, three of them decorated.

Carved stone balls are a distinctly Scottish find, with over 425 known, most from Aberdeenshire. They are similar in size. Many functions have been suggested. Whatever their function, they were prestigious possessions, symbols of power.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-033-239-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AS 165 A
• Date: Between 3200 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Stone; four discs, one plain
  Ball
  
• Dimensions: 2.69" D
  
• What: Ball
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Lumphanan
  
• Event:
• Description: Carved stone ball from Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire
  
• References:
  • Marshall, D.N. Carved stone balls. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 108 (1976-7), pp 40-79. 
• Translations:
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