Maceheads

Add to album

A mace was a ceremonial weapon. These stone maceheads, of polished granite, were found in communal tombs at Ormiegill at Ulbster in Caithness and at Tormore on the island of Arran. They were prestige items, used to display status.

Mace head of polished grey granite, ovoid C type, from the horned cairn at Ormiegill, Ulbster, Caithness

Stone maceheads were used as prestige items - symbols of power and, possibly, of rank - for several centuries. They were often made from attractive rocks, and rarely show signs of use.

Record details

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

• Online ID: 000-190-004-056-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.EO 241
• Date: Between 3100 and1800 BC
  
• Material: Granite, grey; perforated; polished
  Granitic stone, mottled; polished
  Mace head
  Mace head
  
• Dimensions: 4.00" x 2.50"
  
• What: Mace head
  Mace head
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Bute, Arran, Kilmory, Tormore
  Scotland, Caithness, Ulbster, Ormiegill
  
• Event:
• Description: Mace head of polished mottled granitic stone, ovoid C type, from Tormore, Arran
  
• 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 62, 236-7. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: