Prehistoric Remains
scaled away it is impossible to determine whether a human figure has been represented or the head only. Though this part of the design is boldly carved and in the same manner as the upper portion, it is not in line with the rest and may have been added by an inferior artist. Though to us it appears grotesque and meaningless, it is possible that it is not a mere example of the ponderous humour of the Stone Age, but that under these quaint forms is concealed some ancient and forgotten myth.
Mr. Gilbert Goudie, Edinburgh, who discovered this interesting relic and had it removed to the National Museum for preservation, considers, no doubt justly, that this monument dates back to early Celtic Christian times. The beautiful form of the cross, as well as the ornamentation, is distinctly of the Celtic type of art, and though there is no inscription upon this monument, yet its resemblance to the Bressay
stone, which bears an inscription in Ogam
