Carved stone ball

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This carved stone ball is one of several elaborate stone objects found at the Neolithic settlement site of Skara Brae on Orkney. It dates from between 3200 and 2500 BC.

The ball is polished smooth and has groups of incised lines forming a geometric pattern on one half.

Carved stone balls are distinctly Scottish objects, with over 425 known. Most are similar in size, and a few are decorated. Many functions have been suggested. Whatever their function, they were prestigious objects, symbols of power.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-173-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 169
• Date: Between 3200 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Basalt; polished; bearing groups of lines incised upon its surface and forming a geometrical pattern
  Ball
  
• Dimensions: 2.38" D
  
• What: Ball
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
  
• Event:
• Description: Carved stone ball from Skara Brae
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, pp 58-9. 
  • 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 59-60, 245. 
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