The most conspicuous remains of antiquity in the islands are the Pictish castles or brochs, Broch of Mousa Standing stones occur in every parish. Other prehistoric relics are the stone circles, the earth-houses or underground dwellings, and “pechts knowes.” The last are artificial mounds of burnt stones and earth. In some of these are found stone coffins or cists, in others urns containing the ashes of the dead. Ground Plan, Broch of Mousa Implements and weapons of the Stone Age are being continually unearthed. Some are rough and include Sectional Elevation, Broch of Mousa Gold, silver and bronze ornaments of the Viking Age are occasionally discovered—one of the most recent and beautiful a bracelet of gold in the isle of Oxna. Gold Armlet (Norse) from Isle of Oxna Inscribed or sculptured stones are of two kinds—Celtic, and Norse or runic. Examples of the Celtic are the Bressay Stone, the St Ninian Stone, the Lunnasting Stone, with Ogham inscriptions, and the richly sculptured monument found in Burra Isle. These are all indications of the Christianity of the pre-Norse days. Four runic stones have been discovered, three in Cunningsburgh and one in Northmavine. Bressay Stone (Obverse) Bressay Stone (Reverse) Portion of Sandstone Slab with Ogham Inscription from Cunningsburgh Lunnasting Stone Burra Stone |