from Strome Shunnamul, Benbecula, Outer Hebrides

Sculptured stone

This stone carved with Pictish symbols was found at Strome Shunnamul on Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. It dates from between 500 and 800. It is one of only two Pictish symbol stones known from the Western Isles.

The slab was carved in the centre with a circle symbol - quite unusual in the Pictish repertoire - enclosing three smaller circles. To its side is a rectangle (a comb case?) decorated with a straight line and with two curved lines ending in scrolls.

Monumental stones and some silver jewellery were decorated by the Picts with a range of unusual symbols, some of everyday objects and others more abstract. Many theories have been proposed to explain their meanings which nevertheless remain obscure.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-100-043-452-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.IB 37
Date:	Between 500 and 800
Material:	Granite; with circles and square-shaped figures
Dimensions:	1080 mm H x 200 mm L x 990 mm W
What:	Symbol stone
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Inverness-shire, Benbecula, Strome Shunnamal
Event:
Description:	Sculptured Pictish symbol stone with circles and square-shaped figures, from Strome Shunnamal, Benbecula
References:	Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, pp 110-1.
Translations:
Related Records: