Burghead Description of stone
Event ID 1022862
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Early Medieval Carved Stones Project
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1022862
Burghead 2, Moray, Pictish symbol stone fragment
Measurements: H 0.31m, W 0.48m, D 0.10m
Stone type: sandstone
Place of discovery: NJ c 109 691
Present location: Burghead Visitor Centre, Moray Museums Service (1896-6b).
Evidence for discovery: one of many bull carvings said to have been found during quarrying of the wall of the upper citadel to find building stones from around 1800 onwards, of which six have survived (Macdonald 1862). This one was found in 1862 during building work on the south quay, and it was kept at the harbour office.
Present condition: this fragment has considerable edge and surface damage.
Description
One broad face of this fragment is deeply incised with a bull, walking towards the right, but his head has flaked away and there is damage to his hooves. His long tail hangs straight down.
Date: seventh century.
References: Macdonald 1862, 347, 355-7; ECMS pt 3, 119-21; Henderson & Henderson 2004, 31-5; Scott 2005; Fraser 2008, no 152.2.
Desk-based information compiled by A Ritchie 2017
