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Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
900 year old carved stone head found on Scottish island in 'find of a lifetime'
The artefact is now being preserved along with other finds from the dig and will be cleaned and eventually put on public display An archaeology student has uncovered what could be a 900-year-old carved sandstone head on the Orkney island of Rousay, in what experts are calling a 'find of a lifetime'. Katie Joss, an undergraduate from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Archaeology Institute, made the remarkable discovery at Skaill Farm during an excavation of a large wall foundation. As she removed a slab, the intricately carved head tumbled into her hands. 'It was quite a shock,' Joss told the BBC. 'We were removing a slab when the head came rolling out at us and as we turned it around we saw a face looking back at us. It was really exciting.' The object is believed to be crafted from rich red sandstone, complete with yellow inclusions, and is thought to have originated from the island of Eday. According to archaeologists, the stone appears similar to other material used in the nearby St Mary's old parish church. Dr Sarah Jane Gibbon, co-director of the Skaill Farm excavation and part of the UHI Archaeology Institute, expressed her surprise at the detail and craftsmanship of the carving. 'This is such an exciting find,' she said. 'Over the years excavating at Skaill and The Wirk, the nearby hall tower, we have found several interesting moulded pieces of red sandstone but nothing like this!' She described the head as being carved to be viewed from the front at a slight angle, allowing the viewer to appreciate the finely detailed locks of hair on the top of the head. 'The eyes appear closed as there is nothing to indicate pupils,' she said. 'The slight smile and asymmetric eyebrows express real character.' Although the head is largely intact, its nose is broken off. Dr Gibbon said it remains unclear whether the damage was intentional. 'Could this have been done deliberately as an act of iconoclasm or was this accidental?' she wondered. 'It's odd that no other part of the head is damaged.' The style of the eyes has been loosely compared to early phases of the stonework found in St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, though Gibbon noted she 'could find no comparison for the serene expression' captured in the carving. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The artefact is now being preserved along with other finds from the dig and will be cleaned and eventually put on public display. The Skaill excavation is now in its tenth year and is located directly over what was once a prominent Norse settlement. The name Skaill comes from the Old Norse word 'skáli', meaning 'hall', and the site is believed to have belonged to the powerful 12th-century Viking chieftain, Sigurd of Westness. The discovery adds to a growing collection of artefacts linked to the Norse occupation of Rousay and may offer further insights into life and artistry in medieval Orkney.
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
'Haizean' by James Gerard: A Story of War, Exile, and Reconciliation
TOMAH, WI, UNITED STATES, April 15, 2025 / / -- As Spain marks the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Guernica, the novel 'Haizean' by James Gerard and John Sawkins is captivating readers across the country, quickly becoming a cult favorite. This powerful story blends historical events with personal narratives, exploring themes of family, war, endurance, and ultimately, the pursuit of peace. Set in the Basque town of Guernica and the Scottish district of Scotstoun, 'Haizean' follows the journey of Dr. Asier Santa Maria, a doctor forced into exile after the devastating bombing of his hometown during the Spanish Civil War. Separated from his family, whom he assumes have perished, Asier rebuilds his life in Glasgow with the help of Scottish journalist John Oswald, who fought against Franco in the International Brigades. Through Asier's diaries, readers witness his emotional struggle with isolation, trauma, and the challenges of adapting to a foreign land—a journey that resonates deeply with the experiences of refugees today. The second half of the novel shifts focus to a peace center named Haizean (Basque for 'in the wind'), established in a flat in Scotstoun. Inspired by Guernica's real-life peace initiatives and Picasso's renowned painting, the center becomes a global hub for students to exchange ideas, fostering understanding across different cultures and generations. About the Author James Gerard, a mental health campaigner, found solace and healing through writing the novel, stating, 'I was going through a difficult time mentally, and writing Asier's story became my way of finding hope and purpose. His journey of overcoming despair and finding peace mirrors challenges many faces today.' Co-author John Sawkins, a former lecturer in English at the University of the Highlands and Islands, reflected on Asier's experience of exile, saying, 'Spending 40 years in a foreign land without a community of fellow countrymen would have been incredibly isolating. This story speaks to the universal human need to reclaim identity and find belonging, which remains relevant in today's world.' To celebrate the novel's impact, Gerard and Sawkins will host a free public reading of Haizean on October 20th at 6:30 p.m. at Augustine United Church in Edinburgh. This event offers readers an opportunity to hear excerpts from the book and gain insight into the authors' creative process and the historical inspiration behind the story. The inspiration behind Haizen stems from James Gerard's personal experience with mental health struggles, particularly depression, and his visit to Guernica, where he connected deeply with the trauma and isolation. Gerard channeled his own emotional challenges into writing the novel, using it as a means of processing and healing. The story also reflects his interest in how historical events, such as the Spanish Civil War and the bombing of Guernica, continue to resonate in contemporary issues like exile and oppression, with themes that are still relevant today. Through Asier's journey, Gerard explores the enduring impact of trauma, displacement, and identity, drawing parallels with current struggles, including those in Catalonia. Message from the Author 'As the author, I would want to say to the readers: 'Haizean' is not just a story about the past- it's about the emotions we carry with us, the wounds that time doesn't always heal, and the search for peace in a world that often feels divided. I wrote this book because I believe that everyone, regardless of their background or experience, can relate to themes of trauma, isolation, and the need for healing. Through Dr. Asier's journey, I hope you find something that resonates with your own struggles and that, like him, you see that even in exile and despair, there is a path toward redemption and peace. I want you to feel that your story, your pain, and your healing matter. This book is an invitation to reflect, to connect, and to recognize the strength in our shared human experiences.' Recently, James Gerard participated in a Prime Seven Media spotlight interview with esteemed host Logan Crawford, where he delves into discussing his powerful historical novel that explores war, exile, and the journey toward peace and reconciliation. (Logan Crawford TV Interview Link: ) 'Haizean' is available now, inviting readers to pause, reflect, and see the world through another's eyes—a timely reminder of the enduring power of empathy, resilience, and the pursuit of peace. This book is available for purchase at Amazon, or you may click through this link Luna Harrington Prime Seven Media +1 414-882-5318 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
