Casgliadau Arlein

Utilised and decorated stone, possibly a slick-stone or linen-smoother of 9th or 10th century date. The stone is domed with a flat base. The stone is a quartz conglomerate. The top of the stone has been decorated with an oval ring. Analysis using a scanning electron microscope indicated that the inlay is composed of calcium carbonate and red ochre. The decoration has been inlaid into a recessed channel in the stone, formed by polishing. The base of the stone displays evidence of rubbing or polishing, consistent with its use as a slick-stone.