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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

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