The identity of a fearsome-looking man carved into Pictish stone has remained a mystery since the six-foot (1.78cm) rock was uncovered in 1978.
The ‘Rhynie Man’ - named after the village in which he was found - carries an axe upon his shoulder, has a large pointed nose, sharp teeth and wears a headdress, but no-one knows who he is or why he was created.
In a bid to yield answers to the mystery of Aberdeenshire’s ‘oldest man’, a team of archaeologists have embarked on a dig at the site.
Who was Scotland's 'Rhynie Man'? Dig aims to finally identify the mysterious 1,500-year-old axe-wielding Pict immortalised in stone
Carved stone showing the man was found in 1978 in Aberdeenshire
New dig aims to pinpoint its purpose and the Rhynie Man's identity
Expert believes stone may have guarded a Pictish fort during the 5th and 6th centuries AD, which may have been a place for rituals
His axe suggests he may have sacrificed animals, but other theories suggest the man could be a Pictish king, Celtic god or even Saint Matthew
By Sarah Griffiths for MailOnline
27 August 2015
Daily
The identity of a fearsome-looking man carved into Pictish stone has remained a mystery since the six-foot (1.78cm) rock was uncovered in 1978.
The ‘Rhynie Man’ - named after the village in which he was found - carries an axe upon his shoulder, has a large pointed nose, sharp teeth and wears a headdress, but no-one knows who he is or why he was created.
In a bid to yield answers to the mystery of Aberdeenshire’s ‘oldest man’, a team of archaeologists have embarked on a dig at the site.
The ‘Rhynie Man’ (pictured), named after the village in which he was found, carries an axe upon his shoulder, has a large pointed nose, sharp teeth and wears a headdress, but no-one knows who he is or why he was created. A number of competing theories have been suggested
The Rhynie Man is believed to date from the fifth or sixth century and there are many theories as to what he represents.
Dr Gordon Noble, a Senior Lecturer in archaeology at the University of Aberdeen, said the excavations would focus on the area around where the Rhynie Man was first found, by local farmer Kevin Alston at Barflat, and around the Craw Stane, another Pictish standing stone.
He said: ‘We did significant work at Rhynie in 2011 and 12 and identified that the area was a high-status and possibly even royal Pictish site.
‘We found many long distance connections such as pottery from the Mediterranean, glass from France and Anglo-Saxon metal work with evidence to suggest that intricate metalwork was produced on site.
‘Over the years many theories have been put forward about the Rhynie Man.
Excavations at the site in 2012 revealed a number of exotic artefacts, including an axe-shaped pin with serpent design (pictured). Dr Noble said it's likely intricate metalwork was produced in site
The man is carved on a kite-shaped boulder measuring 6ft (1.8 metres) that was found on a farm in Barflat, near Rhynie (marked on the map)
‘However, we don’t have a huge amount of archaeology to back any of these up so we want to explore the area in which he was found in much greater detail to yield clues about how and why he was created, and what the carved imagery might mean.’
Evidence collected so far suggests the Rhynie Man stood somewhere near the entrance to the fort.
The place name, Rhynie, derives from the early Pictish rīg, or king, and experts believe Rhynie was an early royal centre of the Picts during the 5th and 6th centuries AD.
Excavations in 2012 revealed a series of fortified enclosures where one Pictish symbol stone, the Craw Stane, still stands today as well as two others including the iconic Rhynie Man were discovered.
‘We want to try and identify exactly where he was standing as this will give us a better idea about how he fits into the high status site and what his role may have been,’ Dr Noble said.
‘The Rhynie Man carries an axe of a form that has been linked to animal sacrifice and we hope to discover more evidence that might support the theory that he was created as part of ceremonies and rituals for high-status events, perhaps even those for early Pictish royal lineages.
‘This may also help us to better understand the imagery used and why the Rhynie Man is depicted in this way.
Dr Gordon Noble, a Senior Lecturer in archaeology at the University of Aberdeen, said the excavations would focus on the area around where the Rhynie Man was first found by local farmer Kevin Alston at Barflat. An aerial view of part of the site is shown
‘Standing at more than 6ft [1.8 metres] high, the stone must have been an impressive sight to anyone coming to Rhynie some 1,500 years ago.’
The stone was carved at a time when a tribal society was dominated by different grades of warriors, chiefs and a king, and people lived in elaborate settlements built on hilltops.
They were skilled craftsman and known for their intricate metal and stonework.
Eight Pictish stones have been found in the area, some of which show animals as well as Christian crosses.
According to Aberdeenshire Council, the stones were likely erected as memorials to dead chiefs and other prominent people.
The Rhynie Man could be a memorial to a Pictish leader, a figure from a Pictish legend or could represent St Matthew, as Christianity spread across the land.
Another competing theory claims the man represents the Celtic god Esus, who was depicted by the earlier Celts as a woodsman with an axe.
Historical documents suggest victims were sacrificed to him and were strung up from trees.
Aberdeenshire Council Archaeologist, Bruce Mann, said: ‘One day we will understand not only "who" the Rhynie Man was, but also what part the Picts played in the early development of the village.’
Eight Pictish stones have been found in the area, some of which show animals as well as Christian crosses. The 'Craw Stane' is pictured, which bears a carving depicting an unknown animal
It is hoped that the dig will uncover more artefacts at the ruined royal complex to understand a site that clearly encompassed elements of settlement, burial, cult and ceremony - key components of an early royal pagan centre of Pictland.
The last excavation turned up shards of Late Roman wine amphorae imported from the eastern Mediterranean.
It also uncovered pieces of glass beakers from France and high-status metalwork, such as moulds and crucibles for production and an incredibly rare set of fine metalworking tongs.
Archaeologists also found an axe-shaped pin with a serpent design that resembles the axe carried by the Rhynie Man.
FEATURES OF THE RHYNIE MAN
The man is carved on a kite-shaped boulder measuring six foot tall (1.78cm) that was found on a farm in Barflat, near Rhynie.
He is seen in profile, walking forward.
He wears a tunic with sleeves that's belted at the waist and appears to have pointed shoes.
The man's hair is either cut in a specific way or he is wearing a headdress.
His head is disproportionately large - making a quarter of the length of his body.
Facial features include two sharp, protruding teeth, a hooked nose, strong eyebrow and a long, pointed beard.
His hands are carved with great care, showing the thumbs protruding over the axe shaft.
It's been suggested the axe is ceremonial or a sign of authority, because its handle is slim. However, a competing theory suggests the man may have used it to slay animals as sacrifices
WHO IS THE RHYNIE MAN?
Dr Noble believes the Rhynie Man may have been positioned to ‘guard’ a royal Pictish site, which was possibly a fort.
Based on his axe, it’s possible the carving depicts a man who was involved in ceremonies for early Pictish royals involving animal sacrifice.
A competing theory suggests the man represents the Celtic god Esus, who was depicted by the earlier Celts as a woodsman with an axe. Historical documents suggest victims were sacrificed to him and were strung up from trees.
If the stone is a later date - up to 800 AD, it’s possible that the Rhynie Man represents a Pictish king, a figure form a Pictish legend, or even Saint Matthew, because Christianity was spreading across the land, according to Undiscovered Scotland.
Because the carving is unique and there are few similar Pictish stones, dating the Rhynie Man is an imprecise art.
Read more: Who was Scotland's 'Rhynie Man'? Dig may FINALLY find out | Daily Mail Online
The ‘Rhynie Man’ - named after the village in which he was found - carries an axe upon his shoulder, has a large pointed nose, sharp teeth and wears a headdress, but no-one knows who he is or why he was created.
In a bid to yield answers to the mystery of Aberdeenshire’s ‘oldest man’, a team of archaeologists have embarked on a dig at the site.
Who was Scotland's 'Rhynie Man'? Dig aims to finally identify the mysterious 1,500-year-old axe-wielding Pict immortalised in stone
Carved stone showing the man was found in 1978 in Aberdeenshire
New dig aims to pinpoint its purpose and the Rhynie Man's identity
Expert believes stone may have guarded a Pictish fort during the 5th and 6th centuries AD, which may have been a place for rituals
His axe suggests he may have sacrificed animals, but other theories suggest the man could be a Pictish king, Celtic god or even Saint Matthew
By Sarah Griffiths for MailOnline
27 August 2015
Daily
The identity of a fearsome-looking man carved into Pictish stone has remained a mystery since the six-foot (1.78cm) rock was uncovered in 1978.
The ‘Rhynie Man’ - named after the village in which he was found - carries an axe upon his shoulder, has a large pointed nose, sharp teeth and wears a headdress, but no-one knows who he is or why he was created.
In a bid to yield answers to the mystery of Aberdeenshire’s ‘oldest man’, a team of archaeologists have embarked on a dig at the site.
The ‘Rhynie Man’ (pictured), named after the village in which he was found, carries an axe upon his shoulder, has a large pointed nose, sharp teeth and wears a headdress, but no-one knows who he is or why he was created. A number of competing theories have been suggested
The Rhynie Man is believed to date from the fifth or sixth century and there are many theories as to what he represents.
Dr Gordon Noble, a Senior Lecturer in archaeology at the University of Aberdeen, said the excavations would focus on the area around where the Rhynie Man was first found, by local farmer Kevin Alston at Barflat, and around the Craw Stane, another Pictish standing stone.
He said: ‘We did significant work at Rhynie in 2011 and 12 and identified that the area was a high-status and possibly even royal Pictish site.
‘We found many long distance connections such as pottery from the Mediterranean, glass from France and Anglo-Saxon metal work with evidence to suggest that intricate metalwork was produced on site.
‘Over the years many theories have been put forward about the Rhynie Man.
Excavations at the site in 2012 revealed a number of exotic artefacts, including an axe-shaped pin with serpent design (pictured). Dr Noble said it's likely intricate metalwork was produced in site
The man is carved on a kite-shaped boulder measuring 6ft (1.8 metres) that was found on a farm in Barflat, near Rhynie (marked on the map)
‘However, we don’t have a huge amount of archaeology to back any of these up so we want to explore the area in which he was found in much greater detail to yield clues about how and why he was created, and what the carved imagery might mean.’
Evidence collected so far suggests the Rhynie Man stood somewhere near the entrance to the fort.
The place name, Rhynie, derives from the early Pictish rīg, or king, and experts believe Rhynie was an early royal centre of the Picts during the 5th and 6th centuries AD.
Excavations in 2012 revealed a series of fortified enclosures where one Pictish symbol stone, the Craw Stane, still stands today as well as two others including the iconic Rhynie Man were discovered.
‘We want to try and identify exactly where he was standing as this will give us a better idea about how he fits into the high status site and what his role may have been,’ Dr Noble said.
‘The Rhynie Man carries an axe of a form that has been linked to animal sacrifice and we hope to discover more evidence that might support the theory that he was created as part of ceremonies and rituals for high-status events, perhaps even those for early Pictish royal lineages.
‘This may also help us to better understand the imagery used and why the Rhynie Man is depicted in this way.
Dr Gordon Noble, a Senior Lecturer in archaeology at the University of Aberdeen, said the excavations would focus on the area around where the Rhynie Man was first found by local farmer Kevin Alston at Barflat. An aerial view of part of the site is shown
‘Standing at more than 6ft [1.8 metres] high, the stone must have been an impressive sight to anyone coming to Rhynie some 1,500 years ago.’
The stone was carved at a time when a tribal society was dominated by different grades of warriors, chiefs and a king, and people lived in elaborate settlements built on hilltops.
They were skilled craftsman and known for their intricate metal and stonework.
Eight Pictish stones have been found in the area, some of which show animals as well as Christian crosses.
According to Aberdeenshire Council, the stones were likely erected as memorials to dead chiefs and other prominent people.
The Rhynie Man could be a memorial to a Pictish leader, a figure from a Pictish legend or could represent St Matthew, as Christianity spread across the land.
Another competing theory claims the man represents the Celtic god Esus, who was depicted by the earlier Celts as a woodsman with an axe.
Historical documents suggest victims were sacrificed to him and were strung up from trees.
Aberdeenshire Council Archaeologist, Bruce Mann, said: ‘One day we will understand not only "who" the Rhynie Man was, but also what part the Picts played in the early development of the village.’
Eight Pictish stones have been found in the area, some of which show animals as well as Christian crosses. The 'Craw Stane' is pictured, which bears a carving depicting an unknown animal
It is hoped that the dig will uncover more artefacts at the ruined royal complex to understand a site that clearly encompassed elements of settlement, burial, cult and ceremony - key components of an early royal pagan centre of Pictland.
The last excavation turned up shards of Late Roman wine amphorae imported from the eastern Mediterranean.
It also uncovered pieces of glass beakers from France and high-status metalwork, such as moulds and crucibles for production and an incredibly rare set of fine metalworking tongs.
Archaeologists also found an axe-shaped pin with a serpent design that resembles the axe carried by the Rhynie Man.
FEATURES OF THE RHYNIE MAN
The man is carved on a kite-shaped boulder measuring six foot tall (1.78cm) that was found on a farm in Barflat, near Rhynie.
He is seen in profile, walking forward.
He wears a tunic with sleeves that's belted at the waist and appears to have pointed shoes.
The man's hair is either cut in a specific way or he is wearing a headdress.
His head is disproportionately large - making a quarter of the length of his body.
Facial features include two sharp, protruding teeth, a hooked nose, strong eyebrow and a long, pointed beard.
His hands are carved with great care, showing the thumbs protruding over the axe shaft.
It's been suggested the axe is ceremonial or a sign of authority, because its handle is slim. However, a competing theory suggests the man may have used it to slay animals as sacrifices
WHO IS THE RHYNIE MAN?
Dr Noble believes the Rhynie Man may have been positioned to ‘guard’ a royal Pictish site, which was possibly a fort.
Based on his axe, it’s possible the carving depicts a man who was involved in ceremonies for early Pictish royals involving animal sacrifice.
A competing theory suggests the man represents the Celtic god Esus, who was depicted by the earlier Celts as a woodsman with an axe. Historical documents suggest victims were sacrificed to him and were strung up from trees.
If the stone is a later date - up to 800 AD, it’s possible that the Rhynie Man represents a Pictish king, a figure form a Pictish legend, or even Saint Matthew, because Christianity was spreading across the land, according to Undiscovered Scotland.
Because the carving is unique and there are few similar Pictish stones, dating the Rhynie Man is an imprecise art.
Read more: Who was Scotland's 'Rhynie Man'? Dig may FINALLY find out | Daily Mail Online
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