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Carved Stone Ball
Carved Stone Ball
Carved Stone Ball

Carved Stone Ball

DateNeolithic
Object NameBall
Mediumstone
ClassificationsArchaeology Collected
Dimensions60mm, 397.12g
AcquisitionPresnted by Sir William Booth Howie in 1954.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS003527
Keywords
About MeMany of the Neolithic carved stone balls were discovered in the late 19th century and have puzzled archaeologists ever since. Over 400 have been found, mostly in Scotland but also in northern England and Ireland, however their purpose is unclear. One suggestion is that they were used for hunting, but all the examples found show no signs of damage from use, nor were they found in contexts which suggest their practical purpose.

As several were found in graves of high-status individuals, their use may well have been ritualistic or symbolic, signifying the power and prestige of their wealthy owners; in much the same way that the modern art market functions today.