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) The quernstone, which is 87cm (35”) long and 60cm (24”) wide, is estimated to weigh over 200 kilograms (441 pounds) and was used by ancient farmers to grind corn. Saddle quernstones were one of the most important tools in the house, after the fire, with both practical and symbolic aspects. Dr Gee said finding the saddle quernstone “was just remarkable” and added that he finds it “amazing” that something like that, so ancient, could be found just below the plow line. Now don’t for a second be thinking what’s all the fuss is about, for its “only a stone” after all. Saddle querns were one of the most important tools in the house, after the fire, and if you want to really get down to the nitty-gritty and want to know more about quern usage in the ancient world, and their symbolic aspects, you can watch my recent film explaining their uses just below.

Skara braeOrkney islandsUnited kingdomPapa westrayWideford hillChris geeOrkney research centre for archaeologyArchaeology institute at university of highlandsSkara brae neolithicLonely saddle stone from deep historyArchaeology instituteOrkney research centreRagnhild ljoslandArchaeology orkneyYear of the ancient farmersSkara brae