Slate Plaque

Slate plaque excavated from a neolithic house site at Ronaldsway, Malew

Dimensions: Length 7.6cm, width 3.2cm Manx Museum Accession Number - 1965-0001/50

The most unusual finds from the excavations in 1943 of a Neolithic house site at Ronaldsway were parts of five small slate plaques. Two of the plaques are decorated with incised zig-zags and chevrons, which are a feature of some Neolithic art.

These plaques are believed to be unique to the “Ronaldsway” Neolithic culture of the Isle of Man. It is not known what purpose they served but they may have been used in the ritual preparation of such items as medicines, special condiments or body paint; or simply as jewelry.

The plaques are on display in the Manx Museum.

A selection of Neolithic objects -

• Stone Axehead
• Pottery Jar
• Slate Plaque
• Hump-Backed Scraper

For more information see -

• Neolithic Axe Manufacture
• Neolithic Pottery Manufacture

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