from Loch Boisdale, South Uist, Outer Hebrides
000-180-001-412-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Carved stone ball
This carved stone ball was found at Loch Boisdale on South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. 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, of black and white speckled schist, was carved with four low knobs. Carved stone balls have been found with as many as 160 knobs, but six is the most common number, followed by four.
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: |
000-180-001-412-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 205 |
| Date: |
Between 3200 and 2500 BC
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| Material: |
Schist
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| Dimensions: |
2.45" Dia
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| What: |
Ball
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| Subject: |
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| Who: |
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| Where: |
Scotland, Inverness-shire, South Uist, Loch Boisdale
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
Ball of schist from Loch Boisdale, South Uist, Inverness-shire
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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.
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