Archaeology student unearths rare stone carving of Pictish face

A University of Aberdeen archaeology student has discovered a rare Pictish carving at East Lomond hillfort in Fife. The 10–12cm stone, uncovered by third-year student Jodie Allan during excavation work, shows a schematic human face with eyes, nose and possible hairline.

Experts date it to the fifth to seventh centuries, placing it in the site’s final phase of settlement. Human depictions from this period are exceptionally rare, more often seen in manuscripts than stone.

Archaeologists believe the find could offer fresh insight into how the Picts represented identity within a wealthy and well-connected community.