Following the launch of trove.scot in February 2025 we are now planning the retiral of some of our webservices. Canmore will be switched off on 24th June 2025. Information about the closure can be found on the HES website: Retiral of HES web services | Historic Environment Scotland
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
