More than meets the disc: Investigating form, function and meaning of Neolithic stone discs from the Ness of Brodgar, Orkney

Following over two decades of excavations, the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney has yielded the largest known assemblage of Neolithic stone discs in the British Isles. This thesis contributes to the post-excavation study of the site by examining 223 discs recovered between 2003 and 2022, focusing on their physical characteristics, spatial distribution, chronology, and comparisons with other assemblages. The discs, predominantly made of shale, range widely in size (40–460 mm diameter; 3.5–26 mm thickness) and condition, with varying surface treatments, notches, and discolourations. Contextual analysis identified three main occupation phases (pre-3200 BCE, 3200–2900 BCE, and 2900–2400 BCE), with most discs dating to the late Neolithic Phase 3. Spatially, they are found predominantly in Trenches J, P and T, and the largest cluster was found near Structure 10, a monumental building, and Structure 12, likely linked to food preparation. Comparative research shows that 84% of British Isles stone...Show moreFollowing over two decades of excavations, the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney has yielded the largest known assemblage of Neolithic stone discs in the British Isles. This thesis contributes to the post-excavation study of the site by examining 223 discs recovered between 2003 and 2022, focusing on their physical characteristics, spatial distribution, chronology, and comparisons with other assemblages. The discs, predominantly made of shale, range widely in size (40–460 mm diameter; 3.5–26 mm thickness) and condition, with varying surface treatments, notches, and discolourations. Contextual analysis identified three main occupation phases (pre-3200 BCE, 3200–2900 BCE, and 2900–2400 BCE), with most discs dating to the late Neolithic Phase 3. Spatially, they are found predominantly in Trenches J, P and T, and the largest cluster was found near Structure 10, a monumental building, and Structure 12, likely linked to food preparation. Comparative research shows that 84% of British Isles stone discs were found in Orkney, with the Ness holding the largest collection. Functional interpretations remain speculative; possible uses include pot lids, pavement slabs, container seals, gaming pieces, or objects of symbolic or ritual significance. The findings suggest that stone discs likely served multiple purposes over time, reflecting both practical functions and broader social or symbolic meanings.Show less

Leiden University Student Repository

Documents

In Collections

More than meets the disc: Investigating form, function and meaning of Neolithic stone discs from the Ness of Brodgar, Orkney