It may turn out to be nothing more than a discarded and forgotten children’s toy, but a prehistoric clay figurine could be one of the most important archaeological finds in Scotland for years.
A Neolithic figurine has been discovered on Westray, in the Orkney Islands, almost a year since the celebrated Orkney Venus was discovered on the same islands.
The Orkney Venus figurine is the earliest carving of a human figure found in Scotland.
The Wife of Westray, as it became known, measures just 3.5cm by 3cm and is the only known Neolithic carving of a human form to have been discovered in Scotland Historic Scotland said a second, headless figurine has been discovered by archaeologists at the Links of Noltland dig on Westray.
The new figure is the same size and shape as the original sandstone Venus figurine but is made of clay and is missing its head.
The Links of Noltland dig on the Orkney island of Westray is recognised as one of the country’s most exciting sites following the discovery last year of a tiny human figurine of carved sandstone, which was carbon dated to 2600BC.
The new figurine was discovered by archaeologist Sean Rice.
Historic Scotland head of cultural resources Peter Yeoman said: “It’s difficult to speculate on the precise function or meaning of these figurines.
“They could even be children’s toys, although when found in wider European prehistoric contexts are generally recognised as images of deities, with some well-endowed ladies serving as fertility objects.
“This being the case, the figurines start to allow us to consider the spiritual life of the Noltland families more than 4000 years ago, possibly with the earliest evidence we have of worship being channelled through physical representations of spirits or gods.”
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: “It is excellent news that a second figurine has been found at the Links of Noltland dig, giving our team of archaeologists more information in piecing together what we can know about the lives of our ancient ancestors on Westray.
“Although these figurines are tiny, their significance is huge and it’s exciting to speculate whether there may be more, waiting to be discovered.”
The discovery of the Orkney Venus has provided a boost for the islands’ businesses as people flock from around the globe to see the figurine, which is on display at the Westray Heritage Centre. The local bakery is even producing Venus biscuits
Last month, the Links of Noltland dig revealed another puzzle – a building whose wall contained carefully arranged cattle skulls.
Historic Scotland head of collections Richard Welander said: “Further specialist study is now required.
“The figurines, along with all the thousands of artefacts found in the Noltland dig, will be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit in the National Museums of Scotland as the first step in the legal process of determining where the collection will eventually be kept.”
Author: Barry McDonald | Source: Herald Scotland [July 19, 2010]