A Neolithic partner to the celebrated Orkney Venus has been discovered on the islands, it has emerged. The Orkney Venus figurine was revealed in August last year and is the earliest carving of a human figure found 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. It 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 4,000 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."
Visitor numbers have trebled at the Westray Heritage Centre since the 3.5cm tall Orkney Venus went on display.
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."
Source: Diss Express [July 18, 2010]