Skip to main content
Carved stone ball
Carved stone ball
Carved stone ball
Carved stone ball

Carved stone ball

DateNeolithic
Object NameBall
Mediumstone
ClassificationsArchaeology Collected
Dimensions71mm, 542gm
Knobs: 48mm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1999 through Treasure Trove with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions and the Friends of the Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS031422
About MeCarved stone balls date to the late Neolithic period and are found as stray finds over much of Aberdeenshire, and occasionally in other parts of northern Scotland. They are often intricately carved with raised bosses featuring decoration.

Their distribution mirrors the occurrence of recumbent stone circles across the north of Scotland. They have rarely been found on excavations, although a small number were found within the buildings at Skara Brae. Many were found during ploughing.

Because they have not been found in domestic situations and because they are so finely produced, it is assumed that they are ceremonial rather than utilitarian.