In 1880 a mysterious figure was found face down 400ft from the shores of Loch Leven at Ballachulish.
Nearly 5ft tall and made of a single piece of alder with pebbles for eyes, it was radiocarbon-dated to ~600 BC. But who, or what, does it depict?
#WomensHistoryMonth THREAD 1/7
Nearly 5ft tall and made of a single piece of alder with pebbles for eyes, it was radiocarbon-dated to ~600 BC. But who, or what, does it depict?
#WomensHistoryMonth THREAD 1/7
Theories abound. The figure appears to depict a woman or girl, and a fertility goddess is one possibility.
When the figure was found it looked much different and was more intact, as seen in this entry in the Proceedings of @socantscot from 1881 2/7
When the figure was found it looked much different and was more intact, as seen in this entry in the Proceedings of @socantscot from 1881 2/7
When discovered in 1880 there were not yet techniques for preserving waterlogged wood. Unfortunately, it was dried out and transported, badly damaging it before it arrived with us. You can see the transformation below.
If only we could go back in time with current methods! 3/7
If only we could go back in time with current methods! 3/7
Perhaps Ballachulish itself holds the answer. The settlement looks over dangerous straits linking Loch Leven to the sea, where countless people over many millennia would have gone to and come from.
Was she watching over friends, or warning against foes? 4/7
Was she watching over friends, or warning against foes? 4/7
One theory is that she is the Cailleach. A 'divine hag' (epic!), the Cailleach was worshipped throughout the Gaelic-speaking world, including Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man.
The Cailleach is a creation deity, neither good nor evil - a true force of nature 5/7
The Cailleach is a creation deity, neither good nor evil - a true force of nature 5/7
In Gaelic lore, the Cailleach created Scotland's mountains, islands, and features like Ailsa Craig - the latter when she dropped pebbles while crossing the sea.
She invokes winter by washing her great plaid in the Corryvreckan. Ice forms as it dries and sweeps across Scotland 6/7
She invokes winter by washing her great plaid in the Corryvreckan. Ice forms as it dries and sweeps across Scotland 6/7
Having watched over the waters of the west for many centuries, you will now find the Ballachulish Figure in the Early People gallery at the National Museum of Scotland.
There, millions have looked into her eyes in wonder at her meaning and power.
#WomensHistoryMonth 7/7
There, millions have looked into her eyes in wonder at her meaning and power.
#WomensHistoryMonth 7/7
We're delighted that the Ballachulish figure is resonating with so many of you! Learn more about the figure, how it was found and handled, and theories of its purpose at nms.ac.uk/explore-our-co…
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