000-180-001-329-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Carved stone ball
This carved stone ball was found at St. Vigeans in Angus. It dates from between 3200 and 2500 BC. Many functions have been suggested for these objects. Whatever their function, they were prestigious possessions, symbols of power.
The ball has been carved with eight projecting knobs, some of which are damaged. Carved stone balls have been found with as many as 160 knobs, but six is the most common number.
Carved stone balls are distinctly Scottish objects, with over 425 known, all but a handful found in Scotland. The majority have been found between the Moray Firth and the River Tay, especially in Aberdeenshire, but examples are known from throughout Scotland.
Record details
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| Online ID: |
000-180-001-329-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project |
| Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.AS 30 |
| Date: |
Between 3200 and 2500 BC
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| Material: |
Felspathic
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| Dimensions: |
3.00" Dia
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| What: |
Ball
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| Subject: |
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| Who: |
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| Where: |
Scotland, Angus, St Vigeans
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
Stone ball from St Vigeans, Angus
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| References: |
- Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, 18-9.
- Marshall, D.N. Carved stone balls. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 108 (1976-7), pp 40-72.
- Ritchie, Graham and Ritchie, Anna. Scotland. Archaeology and early history. London: Thames and Hudson, 1981, p 46.
Find in NLS: Title, Author, Title+Author or British Library: Title, Author, Title+Author
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