Maes Howe, interior of chamber.
SC 342874
Description Maes Howe, interior of chamber.
Date c. 1929
Collection Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
Catalogue Number SC 342874
Category On-line Digital Images
Copy of O 348
Scope and Content Chambered cairn known as Maes Howe, Orkney Maes Howe is one of the most impressive chambered cairns in Scotland and indeed Europe. It clearly shows the skills of the Neolithic stone masons. The cairn was opened in 1861, but was found to be empty for it had been entered by Norsemen. The entrances to each of the three cells are 0.8m off the ground. This is unique among chambered tombs. The large block of stone on the floor was probably used to seal up the entrance to one of the cells. The purpose of the cells is unknown. The site was entered by James Farrer in 1861, but he only found some fragments of human skull. However, others had been there before him and the site was known as Orkhaugr in the Orkneyinga Saga. The site was reused for a 9th century Viking burial. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.
External Reference Inv. fig. 384
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