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The eyes have it
New pictures suggest that a remote Neolithic island burial mound may contain carvings of human eyes and eyebrows like those recently discovered on Scotland's oldest human figurine.

The 5,000-year-old 3.5cm tall stone carved figurine was recently found during the Historic Scotland funded excavation at the Links of Noltland prehistoric settlement on the Orkney island of Westray. Its most distinctive features include heavy, curved eyebrows with dots for eyes beneath.

Archaeologists were keen to compare these with seemingly abstract markings on a lintel stone inside the Holm of Papa Westray tomb, on an island to the north east.

Mike Brooks of the Historic Scotland photographic unit has now taken highquality pictures inside the tomb which seem to suggest a link.

Richard Strachan, senior archaeologist with the Historic Scotland cultural resources team, said: “Initial comparisons do show a similarity in use of this eyebrow motif and may point to the possibility that the markings in the cairn are meant to show human eyebrows and eyes, as the style is very similar to the figurine.” Booking in The Edinburgh Bookshop, a new bookshop for the capital, has opened on the vibrant south side of the city. Its owners, hope to continue the legacy of the original Edinburgh Bookshop, which operated in George Street for many years, by bringing back the core values of customer service, wide-ranging stock selection and well-informed staff.

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• By : Rob Allanson
• In : News
• Issue : 47
• Page : 8
• Words : 1,583