Neolithic Furniture - Ness of Brodgar

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This is the remains of an interior furniture feature, set against a wall face within Structure 5 at the Ness of Brodgar Neolithic building complex. Prior to its destruction, it probably looked similar to the ‘dresser’ features seen in the houses at Skara Brae, with one or more shelves supported on stones at the side. Only one shelf remains in situ here, snapped into several pieces and left lying where it broke.

Note that the term ‘dresser’ is a term that perhaps suggests a more modern-style use of the furniture than is warranted! We don’t know quite what these features were used for, only that they appear in often prominent places in many Neolithic Orcadian buildings. As this one is excavated it will be closely inspected for any clues that might point to its original function.