Pottery sherd

This pottery sherd was found at the site of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae on Orkney. It was used sometime between 3100 and 2500 BC.

The sherd is from the wall of a vessel. It has been decorated with spirals and lozenges, similar to designs found on tombs.

Symbols played a part in early beliefs. Designs on stones from tombs, monuments and houses must have had special significance. Such designs are also found on pottery such as this one, and other items, which were perhaps used in rituals.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-040-183-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.HA 244
Date:	Between 3100 and 2500 BC
Material:	Ceramic; exterior pink to buff, interior buff; surface covered with thick slip; parts of two vertical lozenges, joining at their tips, outlined by double lines and filled with jabbed decoration, large spirals on either side
Dimensions:
What:	Pottery / wall sherd
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
Event:
Description:	Decorated wall sherd from Skara Brae
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