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Burghead
Pictish Symbol Stone (Pictish)
Site Name Burghead
Classification Pictish Symbol Stone (Pictish)
Alternative Name(s) Burghead 4
Canmore ID 319204
Site Number NJ16NW 5.04
NGR NJ 1088 6914
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/319204
- Council Moray
- Parish Duffus
- Former Region Grampian
- Former District Moray
- Former County Morayshire
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
Reference (2008)
4. Found during the demolition of of a house at South Quay in 1867, this fragment is now in the care of Moray Museums Service, and at Burghead library.
I Fraser 2008
