A recent excursion to the old Viking town of Dingwall led to this rather lovely slab of mica schist, an example of a Class 1 Pictish Stone. For those unfamiliar with the term Picts, they were a group of Late Iron Age and Early Celtic peoples living in eastern and northern Scotland, most likely the indigenous population within these regions, although some accounts do refer to a questionable foreign invasion. The various forms of Pictish stones have conventionally been divided into three groups, Class 1 stones date from the 6th – 8th centuries and are classified as unworked stones or boulders which have only symbols incised on them.
A Class 1 Pictish Stone, Dingwall
This particular example was first identified as a Pictish stone in the year 1880, it was being used as a lintel over the doorway of the local church at the time, and has now been removed and placed upright opposite the entrance to the burial ground. Measuring a full 1.31m high, 0.55m wide and 0.24m thick, it is just possible to see the rather ornate carvings below the encroaching moss and lichen. On the west face there is a double-disc and Z-rod complete with accompanying crescents with V-rods at the centre and base of the stone. On the east face there are three circles at the top, below which is another crescent and six cup marks. The existence of carved cup marks does suggest an earlier prehistoric date for the stone and it was probably re-used by the local Pictish inhabitants.
This particular example was first identified as a Pictish stone in the year 1880, it was being used as a lintel over the doorway of the local church at the time, and has now been removed and placed upright opposite the entrance to the burial ground. Measuring a full 1.31m high, 0.55m wide and 0.24m thick, it is just possible to see the rather ornate carvings below the encroaching moss and lichen. On the west face there is a double-disc and Z-rod complete with accompanying crescents with V-rods at the centre and base of the stone. On the east face there are three circles at the top, below which is another crescent and six cup marks. The existence of carved cup marks does suggest an earlier prehistoric date for the stone and it was probably re-used by the local Pictish inhabitants.
Such intricate symbols are unique to the Picts but their purpose and meaning are still a matter of intense debate. They frequently appear in pairs and have been interpreted as representing particular kindreds, lineages or clans or possibly a form of pictographic writing. Some may even have mythological or religious meanings, as in a few cases associated graves have been uncovered. Further details for the Dingwall Stone can be found at the following link:
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