Building record MAB5279 - SCULPTORS' CAVE, COVESEA

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Summary

Cave, with multi-phase occupation, named from the Pictish sculptures which are carved on to the walls.

Protected Status/Designation

Scheduled Monument 4220

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Location

Grid reference	Centred NJ 1750 7071 (40m by 40m) Centred at - Polygon: Known Site Extent
Map sheet	NJ17SE
Authority	Moray
Civil Parish	Drainie

Type and Period (3)

Full Description

Cave, with multi-phase occupation, named from the Pictish sculptures which are carved on to the walls. Symbols include the fish, crescent and V-rod, pentacle, triple vessica, step, mirror case and also rectangular symbols. The cave has two side-by-side entrances partially boarded up. From these entrances two passages run into a large impressive interior. The floor near the entrance is of trampled earth and in the interior of loose shingle. Excavations were carried out in 1928-30 and 1979, and a large number of finds from various periods, including a significant assemblage of Late Bronze Age metalwork (including armlets), and metalwork, pottery and coins from the Roman Iron Age were recorded. A number of children's bones were also recovered in the deposits. Re-analysis of the human remains in 2007 suggested that the cave was the site of complex mortuary practices from the Late Bronze Age to the mid First Millennium AD. An excavation was carried out by the University of Bradford in 2014 on what is believed to be the spoil heap from the 1928-30 excavations, with the aim of recovering any discarded bone from the 1930 investigations. A total of 103 fragments of human bone were recovered, as well as a bone pin and an Iron Age yellow glass bead. The cave was also laser-scanned at this time, and a 3D model produced.

Period Notes
Radiocarbon dates: Animal bone sequence 1130 BC - 390 AD. Human bone sequence 1120 BC - 395 AD. UB-6930 - froim one of S Benton's cut vertebrae from NMS collection: 1738 +/- 33 (cal 232 - 390 AD - Oxcal 4.2 run 01/10/13). Human bone, SUERC-68717, 1696+/-29 BP, calibrated to 255-411 BC. SUERC-16619, human bone, 1835 +/- 35 BP, calibrated to 80-320 AD at 2 sigma: SUERC-16620, human bone, 1740 +/- 35 BP, calibrated to 220-400 at 2 sigma: ,SUERC-16621, human bone, 1780 +/- 35 BP, calibrated to 130-350 AD at 2 sigma: SUERC-16622, human bone, 2845 +/-35 BP, calibrated to 1120-910 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-16623, human bone, 2845 +/- 35 BP, calibrated to 1120-910 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-16627 human bone, 1770+/-35 BP, calibrated to 130-380 AD at 2 sigma: SUERC-64512 carbonised nutshell 2522 +/- 26 BP, calibrated to 800-540 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65749 carbonised cereal, 2775 +/-30 BP, calibrated to 1010-830 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-64513 carbonised cereal, 2744 +/- 26, calibrated to 970-820 BC at 2 sigma; SUERC-65414 carbonised cereal, 2720 +/- 29, calibrated to 930-810 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65415 carbonised nutshell, 2764 +/- 26, calibrated to 980-830 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65416 carbonised cereal, 3754 +/- 29, calibrated to 980-820 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65420 carbonised nutshell, 2762 +/- 29, calibrated to 1000-830 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65421 carbonised nutshell, 2745 +/- 29, calibrated to 980-920 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65422 carbonised cereal, 2429 +/- 29, calibrated to 750-400 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65423 carbonised cereal 2457 +/- 26 BP, calibrated to 770-400 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65424 animal bone, 2460 +/- 34, calibrated to 770-400 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65425 animal bone, 2488 +/- 33 BP, calibrated to 790-430 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65426 animal bone, 2543 +/- 34 BP, calibrated to 800-540 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65430 animal bone, 2464 +/- 31 BP, calibrated to 770-410 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65431 animal bone, 2539 +/- 34 BP, calibrated to 800-540 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65432 animal bone, 2502 +/- 34 BP, calibrated to 800-510 BC at 2 sigma; SUERC-65433 animal bone, 2534 +/- 34 BP, calibrated to 800-540 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65434 animal bone, 2463 +/- 26 BP, calibrated to 770-410 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65435 animal bone, 2489 +/- 34 BP, calibrated to 790-430 BC: SUERC-65436 animal bone, 2444 +/- 33 BP, calibrated to 770-400 BV at 2 sigma: SUERC-65440 animal bone, 2283 +/- 833 BP, calibrated to 410-230 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65441 animal bone, 2461 +/- 33 BP, calibrated to 770-410 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65442 animal bone, 2504 +/- 34 BP, calibrated to 800-510 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65443 animal bone, 2189 +/- 33 BP, calibrated to 370-160 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65444 animal bone, 2958 +/- 34 BP, calibrated to 1270-1050 BC at 2 sigma: SUERC-65445 bird bone, 3284 +/-34 BP, calibrated to 1380-970 BC at 2 sigma.

10/ 1-36, 10/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30382.

11/ 1-36, 11/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30384.

12/ 1-36, 12/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30385.

13/ 1-36, 13/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30386.

14/ 1-36, 14/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30387.

15/ 1-36, 15/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30388.

16/ 1-36, 16/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30389.

17/ 1-36, 17/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30390.

18/ 1-36, 18/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30391.

19/ 1-36, 19/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30392.

20/ 1-36, 20/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30393.

21/ 1-36, 21/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30397.

3/4 1-36, 3/4 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30376.

4/4 1-36, 4/4 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30377.

5/4 1-36, 5/4 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30378.

6/4 1-36, 6/4 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30380.

7/4 1-36, 7/4 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30381.

8/ 1-36, 8/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30379.

9/ 1-36, 9/ 1-36 (Ground Photograph). SAB30383.

Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 05/11/28 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.

THE SCOTSMAN, 0000, THE SCOTSMAN, 13/01/31 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1819.

STUART, J, 1856, SCULPTURED STONES OF SCOTLAND, XCIV, ILL. (Bibliographic reference). SAB1800.

ALLEN, JR, 1903, EARLY CHRISTIAN MONUMENTS OF SCOTLAND 3, 129-31, ILL. (Bibliographic reference). SAB3.

CUMMING, CG, 1904, MEMORIES, 56-71 (Bibliographic reference). SAB285.

BENTON, S, 1931, PSAS 65(1930-1) 177-216, 177-216, ILL. (Bibliographic reference). SAB129.

MACDONALD, G, 1934, PSAS 68(1933-4) 27-40, 29 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1200.

STEVENSON, RBK, 1955, PPS 21(1954-55) 282-294, 289-292 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1820.

COLES, J. M., 1960, SCOTTISH LATE BRONZE METALWORK; PSAS 101 p.16-134, 34,39-41,54 (Bibliographic reference). SAB234.

WALKER, IC, 1972, PSAS 104(1971-2) 70-121, 112 (Bibliographic reference). SAB2019.

SHEPHERD, I A G, 1983, PICTISH SETTLEMENT PROBLEMS IN NE SCOTLAND. IN: CHAPMAN, J & MYTUM, H (EDS) SETTLEMENT IN NORTH BRITAIN – 1000BC-1000AD, 327-56 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1630.

SHEPHERD, IAG, 1987, REP EDIN UNI ARCH SOC CONF, REPORT (Bibliographic reference). SAB1846.

SHEPHERD, IAG, 1993, THE PICTS IN MORAY. IN SELLAR, W.D.H. MORAY: PROVINCE AND PEOPLE (Bibliographic reference). SAB1731.

SHEPHERD, I, 1995, SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA: FROM BRONZE AGE OSSUARY TO PICTISH SHRINE (Bibliographic reference). SAB4820.

TRYTHALL, J, 1995, THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA: INFORMATION FOR VISITORS (2ND DRAFT), Typescript (Bibliographic reference). SAB1983.

ARMIT, I, 2007, "AN IRON AGE DECAPITATION FROM THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA, NORTHEAST SCOTLAND", pp.1-2 (Bibliographic reference). SAB3543.

SHEPHERD, I.A.G.S, 2007, AN AWESOME PLACE. THE LATE BRONZE AGE USE OF THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA, MORAY. (IN: BEYOND STONEHENGE) (Bibliographic reference). SAB1718.

FRASER, I, 2008, THE PICTISH SYMBOL STONES OF SCOTLAND, 106-107 (Bibliographic reference). SAB2523.

ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL, 2010, A LAD O'PAIRTS: A DAY CONFERENCE IN MEMORY OF IAIN SHEPHERD, pp. 13-16 (Bibliographic reference). SAB8471.

ARMIT, I. & R. SCHULTING, 2010, DEATH, DECAPITATION AND DISPLAY? THE BRONZE AND IRON AGE HUMAN REMAINS FROM THE SCULPTOR’S CAVE, COVESEA. (Bibliographic reference). SAB3578.

ARMIT, I, 2011, DEATH, DECAPITATION AND DISPLAY? THE BRONZE AND IRON AGE HUMAN REMAINS FROM THE CULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA. IN PPS 77, 251-278 (Bibliographic reference). SAB7926.

BUTSER, L, 2014, THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA: FIELDWORK 2014 DATA STRUCTURE REPORT, DSR (Bibliographic reference). SAB3785.

BUSTER, L, 2014, THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA: SHINING NEW LIGHT ON AN OLD ARCHIVE IN ARCHAEOLOGY SCOTLAND , pp20-21 (Bibliographic reference). SAB3776.

BUSTER, L, 2019, THE COVESEA CAVES PROJECT FIELDWORK 2018: DATA STRUCTURE REPORT (Bibliographic reference). SAB3809.

ARMIT, I, 2020, DARKNESS VISIBLE: THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA, FROM THE BRONZE AGE TO THE PICTS (Bibliographic reference). SAB8463.

SCAPE , 2023, COASTAL ZONE ASSESSMENT SURVEY MORAY: CULBIN TO CULLEN (Bibliographic reference). SAB4861.

Aug 23 1979 , 601800-18, 601800-18 (Ground Photograph). SAB30396.

Aug 23 1979 , 601900-18, 601900-18 (Ground Photograph). SAB30394.

Jan 1 1977 , AAS/GR/77/CT175-178, AAS/GR/77/CT175-178 (Ground Photograph). SAB32515.

Jan 1 1979 , AAS/GR/79/CT94-98, AAS/GR/79/CT94-98 (Ground Photograph). SAB32557.

Jan 1 1983 , AAS/GR/83/CT105,111,117, AAS/GR/83/CT105,111,117 (Ground Photograph). SAB32613.

Jan 1 1983 , AAS/GR/83/CT99-100, AAS/GR/83/CT99-100 (Ground Photograph). SAB32612.

Jan 1 1990 , AAS/GR/90/CT361,366-369, AAS/GR/90/CT361,366-369 (Ground Photograph). SAB32818.

Jan 1 1994 , AAS/GR/94/CT57-62, AAS/GR/94/CT57-62 (Ground Photograph). SAB32908.

Author unknown, n.d., [Untitled], 3-4 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1476.

Author unknown, n.d., ELGIN COURANT, 26/10/28 (Bibliographic reference). SAB444.

FAIRWEATHER, n.d., PALEO ENVIRON LAB REP, REPORT (Bibliographic reference). SAB528.

BRUCE, M.F., n.d., SCULPTORS' CAVE. SUMMARY SKELETAL REPORT, REPORT (Bibliographic reference). SAB187.

SKELETAL REMAINS

Author unknown, n.d., THE NORTHERN SCOT, 07/07/79 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1270.

Author unknown, n.d., THE NORTHERN SCOT, 21/09/85 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1270.

Author unknown, n.d., THE NORTHERN SCOT, 23/04/83 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1270.

Author unknown, n.d., THE NORTHERN SCOT, 25/04/86 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1270.

Author unknown, n.d., THE NORTHERN SCOT, 25/12/33 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1270.

Author unknown, n.d., THE NORTHERN SCOT, 28/11/86 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1270.

Author unknown, n.d., THE NORTHERN SCOT, 30/04/83 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1270.

Sep 6 1979 , 900-12, 900-12 (Ground Photograph). SAB30399.

Sep 17 1979 , 200-12, 200-12 (Ground Photograph). SAB30400.

Sep 17 1979 , 60300-12, 60300-12 (Ground Photograph). SAB30398.

Sep 25 1979 , 604300-18, 604300-18 (Ground Photograph). SAB30395.

Other Statuses/References

Authority: MOR;
HES Scheduled Monument Number: 4220;
NMR Card Number: NJ17SE1;
NRHE Numlink: 16278;
Old Historic Environment Record Ref: NJ17SE0001;

External Links (2)

https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM4220 (Historic Environment Scotland Portal Link)
https://www.trove.scot/place/16278 (trove.scot link)

Sources/Archives (68)

--- SAB1200 Bibliographic reference: MACDONALD, G. 1934. PSAS 68(1933-4) 27-40. 29.
--- SAB1270 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. n.d.. THE NORTHERN SCOT. 07/07/79.
--- SAB1270 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. n.d.. THE NORTHERN SCOT. 25/04/86.
--- SAB1270 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. n.d.. THE NORTHERN SCOT. 21/09/85.
--- SAB1270 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. n.d.. THE NORTHERN SCOT. 23/04/83.
--- SAB1270 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. n.d.. THE NORTHERN SCOT. 30/04/83.
--- SAB1270 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. n.d.. THE NORTHERN SCOT. 28/11/86.
--- SAB1270 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. n.d.. THE NORTHERN SCOT. 25/12/33.
--- SAB129 Bibliographic reference: BENTON, S. 1931. PSAS 65(1930-1) 177-216. 177-216, ILL..
--- SAB1416 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. . PRESS & JOURNAL. 05/11/28.
--- SAB1476 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. n.d.. [Untitled]. 3-4.
--- SAB1630 Bibliographic reference: SHEPHERD, I A G. 1983. PICTISH SETTLEMENT PROBLEMS IN NE SCOTLAND. IN: CHAPMAN, J & MYTUM, H (EDS) SETTLEMENT IN NORTH BRITAIN – 1000BC-1000AD, 327-56.
--- SAB1718 Bibliographic reference: SHEPHERD, I.A.G.S. 2007. AN AWESOME PLACE. THE LATE BRONZE AGE USE OF THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA, MORAY. (IN: BEYOND STONEHENGE).
--- SAB1731 Bibliographic reference: SHEPHERD, IAG. 1993. THE PICTS IN MORAY. IN SELLAR, W.D.H. MORAY: PROVINCE AND PEOPLE.
--- SAB1800 Bibliographic reference: STUART, J. 1856. SCULPTURED STONES OF SCOTLAND. XCIV, ILL..
--- SAB1819 Bibliographic reference: THE SCOTSMAN. 0000. THE SCOTSMAN. 13/01/31.
--- SAB1820 Bibliographic reference: STEVENSON, RBK. 1955. PPS 21(1954-55) 282-294. 289-292.
--- SAB1846 Bibliographic reference: SHEPHERD, IAG. 1987. REP EDIN UNI ARCH SOC CONF. REPORT.
--- SAB187 Bibliographic reference: BRUCE, M.F.. n.d.. SCULPTORS' CAVE. SUMMARY SKELETAL REPORT. REPORT.
--- SAB1983 Bibliographic reference: TRYTHALL, J. 1995. THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA: INFORMATION FOR VISITORS (2ND DRAFT). Typescript.
--- SAB2019 Bibliographic reference: WALKER, IC. 1972. PSAS 104(1971-2) 70-121. 112.
--- SAB234 Bibliographic reference: COLES, J. M.. 1960. SCOTTISH LATE BRONZE METALWORK; PSAS 101 p.16-134. Y. N. 34,39-41,54.
--- SAB2523 Bibliographic reference: FRASER, I. 2008. THE PICTISH SYMBOL STONES OF SCOTLAND. 106-107.
--- SAB285 Bibliographic reference: CUMMING, CG. 1904. MEMORIES. 56-71.
--- SAB3 Bibliographic reference: ALLEN, JR. 1903. EARLY CHRISTIAN MONUMENTS OF SCOTLAND 3. Y. 129-31, ILL..
--- SAB30376 Ground Photograph: 3/4 1-36. Black & White. 3/4 1-36.
--- SAB30377 Ground Photograph: 4/4 1-36. Black & White. 4/4 1-36.
--- SAB30378 Ground Photograph: 5/4 1-36. Black & White. 5/4 1-36.
--- SAB30379 Ground Photograph: 8/ 1-36. Black & White. 8/ 1-36.
--- SAB30380 Ground Photograph: 6/4 1-36. Black & White. 6/4 1-36.
--- SAB30381 Ground Photograph: 7/4 1-36. Black & White. 7/4 1-36.
--- SAB30382 Ground Photograph: 10/ 1-36. Black & White. 10/ 1-36.
--- SAB30383 Ground Photograph: 9/ 1-36. Black & White. 9/ 1-36.
--- SAB30384 Ground Photograph: 11/ 1-36. Black & White. 11/ 1-36.
--- SAB30385 Ground Photograph: 12/ 1-36. Black & White. 12/ 1-36.
--- SAB30386 Ground Photograph: 13/ 1-36. Black & White. 13/ 1-36.
--- SAB30387 Ground Photograph: 14/ 1-36. Black & White. 14/ 1-36.
--- SAB30388 Ground Photograph: 15/ 1-36. Black & White. 15/ 1-36.
--- SAB30389 Ground Photograph: 16/ 1-36. Black & White. 16/ 1-36.
--- SAB30390 Ground Photograph: 17/ 1-36. Black & White. 17/ 1-36.
--- SAB30391 Ground Photograph: 18/ 1-36. Black & White. 18/ 1-36.
--- SAB30392 Ground Photograph: 19/ 1-36. Black & White. 19/ 1-36.
--- SAB30393 Ground Photograph: 20/ 1-36. Black & White. 20/ 1-36.
--- SAB30394 Ground Photograph: Aug 23 1979 . 601900-18. Black & White. 601900-18.
--- SAB30395 Ground Photograph: Sep 25 1979 . 604300-18. Black & White. 604300-18.
--- SAB30396 Ground Photograph: Aug 23 1979 . 601800-18. Black & White. 601800-18.
--- SAB30397 Ground Photograph: 21/ 1-36. Black & White. 21/ 1-36.
--- SAB30398 Ground Photograph: Sep 17 1979 . 60300-12. Black & White. 60300-12.
--- SAB30399 Ground Photograph: Sep 6 1979 . 900-12. Black & White. 900-12.
--- SAB30400 Ground Photograph: Sep 17 1979 . 200-12. Black & White. 200-12.
--- SAB32515 Ground Photograph: Jan 1 1977 . AAS/GR/77/CT175-178. Colour Transparency. AAS/GR/77/CT175-178.
--- SAB32557 Ground Photograph: Jan 1 1979 . AAS/GR/79/CT94-98. Colour Transparency. AAS/GR/79/CT94-98.
--- SAB32612 Ground Photograph: Jan 1 1983 . AAS/GR/83/CT99-100. Colour Transparency. AAS/GR/83/CT99-100.
--- SAB32613 Ground Photograph: Jan 1 1983 . AAS/GR/83/CT105,111,117. Colour Transparency. AAS/GR/83/CT105,111,117.
--- SAB32818 Ground Photograph: Jan 1 1990 . AAS/GR/90/CT361,366-369. Colour Transparency. AAS/GR/90/CT361,366-369.
--- SAB32908 Ground Photograph: Jan 1 1994 . AAS/GR/94/CT57-62. Colour Transparency. AAS/GR/94/CT57-62.
--- SAB3543 Bibliographic reference: ARMIT, I. 2007. "AN IRON AGE DECAPITATION FROM THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA, NORTHEAST SCOTLAND". Y. pp.1-2.
--- SAB3578 Bibliographic reference: ARMIT, I. & R. SCHULTING. 2010. DEATH, DECAPITATION AND DISPLAY? THE BRONZE AND IRON AGE HUMAN REMAINS FROM THE SCULPTOR’S CAVE, COVESEA..
--- SAB3776 Bibliographic reference: BUSTER, L. 2014. THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA: SHINING NEW LIGHT ON AN OLD ARCHIVE IN ARCHAEOLOGY SCOTLAND . Y. pp20-21.
--- SAB3785 Bibliographic reference: BUTSER, L. 2014. THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA: FIELDWORK 2014 DATA STRUCTURE REPORT. Y. DSR.
--- SAB3809 Bibliographic reference: BUSTER, L. 2019. THE COVESEA CAVES PROJECT FIELDWORK 2018: DATA STRUCTURE REPORT. Y.
--- SAB444 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. n.d.. ELGIN COURANT. 26/10/28.
--- SAB4820 Bibliographic reference: SHEPHERD, I. 1995. SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA: FROM BRONZE AGE OSSUARY TO PICTISH SHRINE.
--- SAB4861 Bibliographic reference: SCAPE . 2023. COASTAL ZONE ASSESSMENT SURVEY MORAY: CULBIN TO CULLEN.
--- SAB528 Bibliographic reference: FAIRWEATHER. n.d.. PALEO ENVIRON LAB REP. REPORT.
--- SAB7926 Bibliographic reference: ARMIT, I. 2011. DEATH, DECAPITATION AND DISPLAY? THE BRONZE AND IRON AGE HUMAN REMAINS FROM THE CULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA. IN PPS 77, 251-278. y.
--- SAB8463 Bibliographic reference: ARMIT, I. 2020. DARKNESS VISIBLE: THE SCULPTOR'S CAVE, COVESEA, FROM THE BRONZE AGE TO THE PICTS. Y.
--- SAB8471 Bibliographic reference: ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL. 2010. A LAD O'PAIRTS: A DAY CONFERENCE IN MEMORY OF IAIN SHEPHERD. Y. pp. 13-16.

Finds (31)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (7)

Record last edited

Apr 16 2025 2:49PM