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Burghead Description of stone
Event ID 1022886
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Early Medieval Carved Stones Project
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1022886
Burghead 4, Moray, Pictish symbol stone fragment
Measurements: H 0.28m, W 0.28m, D 0.10m
Stone type: sandstone
Place of discovery: NJ c 109 691
Present location: Burghead Visitor Centre, Moray Museums Service (1896.6a)
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 stone was found in 1867 when a house on the south quay was demolished, and it was kept at the harbour office.
Present condition: this fragment has been trimmed for building purposes and part of the carving is missing. There is also wear on the carving.
Description
One broad face of this fragment is incised with the forequarters of a bull walking towards the right. His head is very slightly lowered but his right foreleg and complete hindquarters are missing.
Date: seventh century.
References: Macdonald 1862, 347, 355-7; ECMS pt 3, 122; Henderson & Henderson 2004, 31-5; Scott 2005; Fraser 2008, no 152.4.
Desk-based information compiled by A Ritchie 2017
