The Perthshire Society of Natural Science (PSNS) is working in partnership with Culture Perth & Kinross to raise funds to secure the Sheriffmuir Ball for future generations. This 4,000-year-old carved stone ball was unearthed on Sheriffmuir and has been allocated to Perth Museum and Art Gallery through Scottish Treasure Trove legislation.
PSNS has historical and close ties with the Museum, and through its Archaeological & Historical Section is leading a crowd-funding campaign to raise the £1,625.00 needed to enable the Sheriffmuir Ball to remain in the heart of Scotland. The Museum is seeking a matching amount of money from the National Fund for Acquisitions, a government fund which helps museums, galleries, libraries and archives throughout Scotland, to help secure this important find for the collection.
Carved stone balls are usually dated to 3,200-2,400 BC. In Scotland, 520 such balls have been found, mainly in Orkney and the North-East. Elsewhere a few have been found in the North of England, Ireland, and Norway. The highly decorated Sheriffmuir stone is one of the most southerly of the Scottish balls. Fewer than 50 of all the balls found are decorated and this latest find is an exceptionally fine example of decorative stone carving.
Dr Hugh Anderson-Whymark, Curator of Prehistory at National Museums Scotland (NMS) says: “these artifacts have captured the imagination for more than 150 years and despite much debate, we’re still not certain how they were used”.
In 2011, Perth Museum and Art Gallery displayed its collection of Neolithic carved stones, which created huge public interest. Louise Tait, a glass artist, created a glass interpretation of one of the stones. She has commented about the new find: “These mysterious carved stone balls have confounded scholars around the world and their enigma continues to fascinate me and inspire my work. Every new discovery is of enormous value in itself and deserves our curiosity and attention”.
You can donate to the fundraiser by clicking here.
Further information about the Sheriffmuir ball can be accessed online via the PSNS website.
You can also follow developments of this fundraiser on the Perthshire Society of Natural Science’ Facebook page.