000-100-040-497-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Carved stone ball
This carved stone ball is one of several fancy carved stone objects found at Skara Brae on Orkney. It was a prestige object, and dates from between 3400 and 2000 BC.
The stone ball is covered with 50 pyramid-shaped knobs.
Carved stone balls are a distinctly Scottish object, with over 425 known. Most are similar in size, and a few are decorated. Many functions have been suggested. All that is certain is that they were prestigious possessions, symbols of power.
Record details
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| Online ID: |
000-100-040-497-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 657 |
| Date: |
Between 3400 and 2000 BC
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| Material: |
Stone, black; covered with seven encircling rows of pyramidal knobs
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| Dimensions: |
2.50" D
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| What: |
Ball
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| Subject: |
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| Who: |
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| Where: |
Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
Carved stone ball from Skara Brae
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| 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 59, 245.
- Marshall, D.N. Carved stone balls. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 108 (1976-7), pp 40-79.
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