Third 5,000-year-old figurine found on Orkney

Published on 28/08/2012 13:02

A third hand-carved figurine has been found during ongoing excavations in Orkney.

Archaeologists had previously unearthed two ancient figurines in 2009 and 2010 at the dig at Links of Noltland in Westray.

All three will go on display at the Westray Heritage Centre.

Excavations began on Westray in 2007 to stop erosion from destroying buried archaeological remains.

An extensive Neolithic and Bronze Age settlement and associated field systems has been found.

The site has attracted interest from archaeologists since the 19th century.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said:

“The level of artistry, workmanship and skill demonstrated by these and the other finds at Links of Noltland clearly shows that our ancestors of 5000 years ago were a cultured and intelligent community. It also allows us to speculate about what motivated and inspired them – were these used in ritual, what significance did they have and how common were they?

“In 2009 an exhibition showing the first figurine, known as the Westray Wifey or Orkney Venus, toured around Scotland and was seen by more than 100,000 people before it returned to the Westray Heritage Centre where it has helped to increase visitor figures. I am delighted to be able to announce that all three will be returning to the Heritage Centre to go on display together.”

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