Jarlshof 4 Description of stone
Event ID 1015577
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Early Medieval Carved Stones Project
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1015577
Jarlshof 4, Shetland, portable carved stone disc
Measurements: Diam 57mm, D 17-22mm
Stone type: sandstone
Place of discovery: HU 3980 0959
Present location: National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh (HSA.4041)
Evidence for discovery: found during the 1950s excavation in the upper floor levels of wheelhouse 1.
Present condition: edge damage and very worn.
Description
This disc is carved by incision on both flat faces. One face has a circular ribbon containing zig-zag, and the central area has various short curving lines. The other side shows a double spiral apparently superimposed on early, more lightly incised work, including a serpent head.
Date: late iron age/early medieval.
References: Hamilton 1956, 84, pl 17; Thomas 1963, fig 3.2; Scott & Ritchie 2009, no 18.
Compiled by A Ritchie 2016