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This ox bone was found at the Broch of Burrian on Orkney. It may have been used as a playing piece. The object dates from between 500 and 800.

The bone is a phalange (toe bone) which has been decorated on both sides. On this side it has been carved with a symbol composed of a circular disc and a rectangle with a square indentation.

Bone of this type were used in the Low Countries until recent times as playing pieces. Isolated finds of decorated phalanges are also known from Scottish sites and may have been used in a similar manner.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-082-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GB 227
• Date: Between 500 and 800
  
• Material: Bone, ox; incised on one side with a crescent and V rod and on the other with a circular disc and rectangle with square indentations
  Phalanx, ox / playing piece
  
• Dimensions: 2.20" L
  
• What: Phalanx, ox / playing piece
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian
  
• Event:
• Description: Ox phalanx with incised Pictish symbols, possibly a playing piece or king piece, from Burrian
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Arthur. The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 105 (1972-4), pp 63-118, esp. pp 88, 102-3, 111. 
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