Add to albumThis decorated stone was found at the site of a chambered cairn at Eday Manse in Orkney. It had possibly been used as a lintel at an entrance to a cell within the tomb. It dates from between 3100 and 2500 BC.
The stone is decorated with a spiral design, reminiscent of that on Irish tombs such as Newgrange as well as other chamber tombs in Orkney.
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 and other items, which were perhaps used in rituals.
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- Online ID: 000-100-043-420-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland X.IA 2
- Date: Between 3100 and 2500 BC
- Material: Stone; with incised concentric circles
Stone
- Dimensions: 450 mm H x 260 mm L x 1130 mm W
- What: Stone
- Subject:
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Orkney, Eday
- Event:
- Description: Stone with incised concentric circles, from Eday Manse, Orkney
- 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 51, 258.
- Translations:
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