Polisher or wishful thinking?

Loanhead of Daviot 1

Image by drewbhoy

Chris Nov 8, 2009 20:39:12

I know that the human mind likes to see patterns everywhere and it was early on a Sunday and several degrees below freezing, but I'd be glad if you could give me your thoughts on this photo:

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/80433/loanhead_of_daviot.html

The lines seem awfully regular to me - may just be natural erosion but I thought I'd ask. Seeing as this is only about 30 feet outside the circle I doubt its not been seen before.

Ta.

Moth Nov 9, 2009 00:54:59

Replying to Chris

Are the grooves smooth, Chris?

love

Moth

Monganaut Nov 9, 2009 01:32:18

Replying to Chris

Looks pretty regular, maybe plough marks? A lot of unsuitable land was brought into cultivation during WWII and after, ans seeing as it's on the surface, it's quite likely.
When i was down at the Mothers Jam the other week, i was sitting atop what Cope calls (i think) the alter stone and thought i saw something similar right next (well 20 feet) away but when i got up close it looked like lichen or something, though there was deffo four parallel indentations (if slight).
Wishful thinking i guess.

drewbhoy Nov 9, 2009 14:50:52

Replying to Chris

Hi Chris, these markings remind of a stone I found at the Conjure cairn, have a look there to see if that is helpful. As for me I drive past Daviot thru the week so I'll go and have a look for myself.

fitzcoraldo Nov 9, 2009 21:02:30

Replying to Chris

Hi Chris
Narrow, evenly spaced marks on a hump in the ground in an area of rich farmland would suggest plough scars to me, more specifically a harrow.
cheers
f

FourWinds Nov 10, 2009 07:58:56

Replying to Chris

How big is the stone? It's hard to tell how far apart the grooves are without knowing how big the stone is.

As they are very evenly spaced they could actually be natural - if it's volcanic rock it could be from a crystalline cooling type effect. This doesn't devalue the stone. This could be why the stone was picked and used in or near a stone circle.

Only the nearest line in the picture looks as if it ends short of the edge of the stone - the rest go under the grass, so it's hard to tell.

drewbhoy Nov 12, 2009 23:25:19

Replying to Chris

Chris wrote:

I know that the human mind likes to see patterns everywhere and it was early on a Sunday and several degrees below freezing, but I'd be glad if you could give me your thoughts on this photo:

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/80433/loanhead_of_daviot.html

The lines seem awfully regular to me - may just be natural erosion but I thought I'd ask. Seeing as this is only about 30 feet outside the circle I doubt its not been seen before.

Ta.

Hi Chris went up to Daviot and looked at the stone circle taking a couple of pics. Found the stone in question only to be surrounded by a mini bus load of Germans and their official kilted guide. Then it started to lash down so I gave up leaving the sightseers to get drenched. Will go back next week and try again. Your right the lines do seem regular and fairly smooth to touch.