Burghead

Burghead 5, Moray, Pictish symbol stone

Measurements: 0.53m, W 0.53m, D 0.08m

Stone type: sandstone

Place of discovery: NJ c 109 691

Present location: British Museum, London (1861.10-24.1) (cast in Elgin Museum)

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 sometime before 1809, when it was exhibited at a meeting of the Society of Antiquaries of London, and it was in private hands in London for many years before being presented to the British Museum.

Present condition: good.

Description

The triangular shape of this slab may indicate the preferred form for these bull stones from Burghead. One broad face is incised with the most ferocious image of a bull to have survived, pacing angrily towards the right with his head lowered far down and his tail swishing across his rump.

Date: seventh century.

References: Macdonald 1862, 347, 355-7; ECMS pt 3, 122; Henderson & Henderson 2004, 31-5; Scott 2005; Fraser 2008, no 152.5.

Desk-based information compiled by A Ritchie 2017.