A NEOLITHIC CARVED STONE BALL FROM SCOTLAND ACQUIRED BY SIR JOHN LUBBOCK (LORD AVEBURY), WITH COMMENTS ON THE SCOTTISH CONNECTIONS OF LUBBOCK AND HIS COLLECTION

Abstract

A previously unpublished Neolithic carved stone ball from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is described. This intricately decorated object formed part of the collection of Sir John Lubbock (Lord Avebury) and is now housed at the Bromley Museum, Orpington, Greater London. The intrinsic importance of this ball is discussed and its interest is enhanced by the details of its collection history. The acquisition of other items from Scotland in the Avebury Collection at Bromley Museum is put in the context of Lubbock’s contacts and visits to Scotland.