55 VII. Observations on several Monumental Stones in the North of Scotland. By JAMES LOGAN, Esq. F. S. A. Edin. Read 15th February 1827. London, December 1826. SOME years since, I submitted to the inspection of the Society of Antiquaries, Drawings of fourteen stone Pillars or Obelisks in Aberdeenshire, all bearing curious figures in rude sculpture; at the same time the Society did me the honour to read a few remarks and conjectures which I ventured to annex, with a view to throw some light on the meaning and era of such relics. Since then, I have, through the Baron de Penhouet, who has distinguished himself by deep research in Druidical mythology, forwarded copies of those which represent the most remarkable sculpture, and particularly of one bearing an inscription in a character hitherto, it is believed, unknown, to the Society of Antiquaries at Paris; from whom, it is to be hoped, these mysterious and symbolical vestigia will receive some elucidation. Last year, having visited Scotland, I saw several of the same description, and am now gratified by laying Drawings of them before the Society, accompanied with a few brief remarks offered with much diffidence. The Stone, No 1,a was recently discovered prostrate, some feet under ground, in the high street of Elgin, in Morayshire, and is now placed against the wall of the church, near which it was found. By this position we are prevented from seeing the other face, which is also covered with much sculpture. The Stone at Mortlach, N° 2, stands near the ancient parish church, and the other is thrown over a small stream near the ruined kirk of Ruthven. The two, No 3, are at Rhynie in Aberdeenshire. One was discovered in ploughing a field near the village; the other is to be seen in the wall of a stable, having been taken from among the materials of a former School-house. The larger half, which I have endeavoured to restore, was not long since broken to pieces to be used in building. The two larger in the drawing, N° 4,d are also at Rhynie, and the smallest of the two is supposed to commemorate the a See Pl. II. b Pl. III. figs. 1, 2, and the stone at Ruthven, fig. 3. c Pl. IV. d Pl. V. с death of Lulach, son of Mac Beth, who was slain in 1057; but this is ill supported. Lulach fell in Essie, at that time a distinct parish, and a credible tradition points out the spot at Mulduan, a short distance west of the vitrified hill fort of Noth. To this strong-hold he may have been retreating from Auchindoer, about three miles southward, where the battle with King Malcolm appears most probably to have taken place, and the etymology of the name, as well as the numerous cairns, under one of which the intermediate small stone was discovered, countenance the opinion. This Prince was, besides, buried at Iona, and not therefore likely to have had a monument at this place. The figure bears an oblong square shield, and carries what I should suppose to be one of the spears used by the ancient Britons and Scots Highlanders, to the end of which a ball was attached; but a similar article is suspended from the neck. As the battle-axe appears thrown on the ground, perhaps this does not represent a military character. The two projections on the legs may indicate the termination of the hose or the braccæ. At the bottom we perceive traces of a circular object introduced in many of these sculptures, and a representation, I am inclined to think, of the sacred circle, itself a symbol of the mundane globe. The lower figure on the other stone is very frequently seen on these mysterious remains. Mr. Davies, in his researches into the rites of Druidism, has perhaps found a true explanation of this symbol. He finds the figure on several British Coins, and perceives the symbol of Ceridwen, the Ceres of the Britons. She is described by Taliessin, the Welsh bard who flourished in the sixth century, and was himself initiated in the mysteries of Druidism, as being both like "a proud mare," and "a crested hen." This mare, as may be seen in the coins, and these stones, was never represented with proper feet; and it seems to me that the singular termination of the legs has e "The field of pursuit to utter destruction," is the interpretation given to me by the clergyman of the parish, but it may also signify "the field of sorrow or anguish." f The figure appears with large mustachios which seem to indicate a remote antiquity, as the Celtæ shaved all but the upper lip. The habit seems the tunic or tonnag, which terminated at the knees, and was open on each side. g It has been supposed to represent the white bull or cow, objects of veneration with the Druids, while some view it as the Musimon, an animal now extinct. b It is singular that neither in England nor Wales, do there appear to be any stones on which the least trace of similar sculpture can be discovered, but it would, however, appear from the curious Triads that there had been such obelisks "on which the arts and sciences of the world were to be read." |