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A burial monument, usually constructed during the Neolithic, consisting of a cairn of stones inside which a sizeable (usually stone) chamber was constructured. Some chambered cairns are also [passage graves]?. |
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A burial monument, usually constructed during the Neolithic, consisting of a Cairn of stones inside which a sizeable (usually stone) chamber was constructured. Some chambered cairns are also passage-graves?. |
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Scotland has a particularly large number of chambered cairns, many of radically different type. Because of the lack of other remains (the only other significant remains we have are [Hut circles]? and field systems), they are perhaps the most important clue we have to what civilisation in Scotland was like in the Neolithic. Here is a short description of each type, starting with the oldest known. |
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Scotland has a particularly large number of chambered cairns, many of radically different type. Because of the lack of other remains (the only other significant remains we have are [Hut circles]? and field systems), they are perhaps the most important clue we have to what civilisation in Scotland was like in the Neolithic. Here is a short description of each type as the classification currently stands: |
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The Orkney-Cromarty group is by far the largest and most diverse. In general, they all have dividing slabs at either side of a rectangular chamger, seperating it into compartments. The number of these compartments ranges from 4 in the earliest examples to over 24 in an extreme example on Orkney. The actual shape of the cairn varies from simple circular designs to elaborate 'forecourts' protruding from each end, creating what look like small Amphitheatres?. It is likely that these are the result of cultural influences from mainland Europe, as they are similar to designs found in France and Spain. |
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The Orkney-Cromarty group is by far the largest and most diverse. It has been subdivided into Yarrows, Camster and Cromarty subtypes but the differences are extremely subtle. In general, they all have dividing slabs at either side of a rectangular chamger, seperating it into compartments. The number of these compartments ranges from 4 in the earliest examples to over 24 in an extreme example on Orkney. The actual shape of the cairn varies from simple circular designs to elaborate 'forecourts' protruding from each end, creating what look like small Amphitheatres?. It is likely that these are the result of cultural influences from mainland Europe, as they are similar to designs found in France and Spain. |
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The Maes Howe group, named after the famous monument on Orkney, is among the most elaborate. Like their counterparts on Shetland, they are unlike anything else in Scotland, so it is possible these were the result of local development, or influences from Scandinavia. They consist of a central chamber from which lead small compartments, into which burials would be placed. |
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The Bookan type is thought to be the earliest to be found on Orkney. Because of Orkney's archaeological richness, Bookan type tombs are very hard to find. They are extremely unusual, some being double-deckered! They all seem to have features which suggest some early stage in the development of Maes Howe type tombs. |
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Finally, the Shetland group, of which little is known. On plan, they do look similar to the Maes Howe group. |
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The Maes Howe group, named after the famous monument on Orkney, is among the most elaborate. Like their counterparts on Shetland, they are unlike anything else in Scotland, so it is possible these were the result of local development, or influences from Scandinavia. They consist of a central chamber from which lead small compartments, into which burials would be placed. Finally, the Shetland group, of which little is known. On plan, they do look similar to the Maes Howe group although the whole chamber is cross-shaped and there are no small compartments. |
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