The Orkney Image Library
Help us get organised! If we haven't correctly identified which area this picture is best listed under, please select it below and click Done!
Heddle Quarry workers arriving for work after the rising sun had shone through the hole in the smallest menhir were deemed to be late, and had to crush rock with a very small hammer for the rest of the day
View Large VersionPicture added on 03 January 2008
The function of Menhirs has provoked more debate than practically any other issue in European pre-history. Over the centuries they have variously been thought to have been used by Druids for human sacrifice, territorial markers, elements of a complex ideological system, and functioned as early calendars and clocking-on machines.
Added by Spoot on 06 January 2008
Yes Spoot. Menhirs are an enigma. But the history books are quite clear about the stones in this photo. "In the early twenty first century there was a great chief in these parts called Roy - may his name be blessed. He caused great stones to be erected at the place where his slaves toiled. And the people were amazed."
<< back
Added by Sandy on 07 January 2008
Firth
