Posted on 09/14/2011 11:42:04 AM PDT by decimon
A Pictish symbol stone built into the wall of a Highland farm building has been recorded by archaeologists.
The markings show a beast, crescent, comb and mirror.
Archaeologist Cait McCullagh said it was a mystery how it had taken until this year for the stone to be officially recorded.
She said it also suggested that more Pictish stones have still to be documented on the Black Isle where the beast was recorded.
Ms McCullagh, the co-founder and director of Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands (Arch), said the symbol stones probably dated from the 5th to 7th centuries AD.
She said it was unusual to find such carvings on the north side of the Moray Firth.
A lack of weathering on the Pictish beast may suggest the stone had been kept inside, or had been buried, for a long period before it was placed in the wall of the byre.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
Pictish specs on ping.
A crescent?
Interesting that Muhammad showed up in the 7th Century. But then again - the lunar cycle has always fascinated.
That is an anteater eating popcorn.
Hmmm - the beast, comb and mirror appear in illustrations of the Book of Revelation. See the images of the Apocalypse Tapestry in Angers, France.
Maybe this was the time period of Christianity taking hold in Scotland?
I think that’s a good guess. Celtic Christianity spread during the Early Middle Ages and the 7th Century was in the middle of that time frame.
Drawn by bigfoot.
Very similar to the Scythian style of art.
Have been told that the crescent was originally a Jewish symbol. There is some evidence on the web also.
The Islamic Crescent was originally a Jewish Symbol
Difficult to imagine Jews traveling up into the Highland areas of Scotland, but there are some theories.
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Thanks decimon. |
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The beast reminds me of a boar. If I remember correctly, the boar was an early symbol of the High King of what became Scotland.
Grendel
2 elephants making love to a girls glee club.... (woody allen)
Rebus?
Gotta be older than Rebus, probably Patsy Cline.
Sheesh, you guys.
Anyone can see that that beast is the famous Pigdog of myth and legend.
The beast that is man’s best friend AND makes bacon. What’s not to love?
“A crescent?”
Looks like a wee winged beastie, to me. Take my word for it, I’m an expert. Some of my ancestors are from that area! ;)
Whatever it is, it’s pretty neat!
OS
Cthulhu
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