Casgliadau Arlein

A single fragment comprising approximately 27 per cent of an upper stone which has a thickness varying between 83 and 73mm. at the circumference, and an estimated diameter of 0.41m. A narrow margin circumscribes the upper surface, and confines a spacious, concave hopper, which has an estimated diameter of 0.325m. The section of an 'elbow-shaped' perforation is incised upon one fracture of the fragment, and, where the thickness of the stone contracts to a mere 18 mm. at the bottom of the hopper, part of a single rectangular rynd-chase, together with a small portion of a circular eye with an estimated diameter of c. 85mm., also survives intact. Faint traces of the striae that constitute the final surface dressing persist upon the narrow margin , but they are much more clearly preserved within the hopper and about the vertical sides of the stone. The depressed, concave grinding face preserves the lay-out of the furrowing in rudimentary harps, and the maximum wear has occurred about the skirt where the furrowing is absent, having worn away with use. The fragment is chipped upon the narrow margin, but although it has suffered some attack by weathering, the stone retains its hard and brittle character, and the surface dressing in particular is unusually sharp and clear.