Grooved Ware Pottery, Ness of Brodgar, Orkney

3D Model

This complete Late Neolithic (c.3200-2400 BC) Grooved Ware vessel was found at Ness Of Brodgar excavations, Stenness, Orkney, Scotland in 2011. It was recovered from a niche in the corner of Structure 14, where it appears to have been placed as an offering when the building was dismantled. Nothing was found in the vessel, but it may have contained an organic offering that has not survived.

This ceramic vessel stands c.12cm high and is one of the smaller Grooved Ware vessels found on site. The largest were the size of small barrels, measuring over 60cm high. This vessel is decorated with incised lozenge motifs. The fabric of this vessel is very coarse and it contains numerous large stones; these are particularly apparent on the interior. The vessel was quite poorly fired and has weathered and spalled quite badly, but careful excavation and conservation ensured that it has remained intact.

Excavations directed by Nick Card, ORCA. For more info see: http://www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/nessofbrodgar/