Identifier: transactionsjour33191415dumf (find matches)
Title: Transactions and journal of proceedings
Year: 1863 (1860s)
Authors: Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society
Subjects:
Publisher: Dumfries : Council of the Society
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Smithsonian Libraries

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nterestbecause of their possible association with the fort, their geo-graphical position, so far away from the district to whichthe Pictish symbols are almost restricted, and the uniquenessof some of the designs. On the upper left-hand corner isthe double-disc traversed by the Z-shaped rod (Fig. No. 22).To the right, and separated by a natural fissure, is found afigure like a dagger-blade with small handle. Well removedfrom the figures mentioned, at the left-hand corner, is a smallhuman face with two horns projecting a considerable lengthand ending in spirals. The association of the familiar floriated rod and the double-disc already discussedbrings the other figures into the great family of the Pictishsymbols. The human head furnished with two lines runningout frQm the top of it like antennae are meant to be eyes,which are thus projected to indicate the idea that the manhas a wide range of vision—and that it is directed towardsa desirable goal. As he looks upwards the expanse of his
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Fig. 22—Pictish Symbols at Vitrified Fort, Anwoth. Archaic Scl liturings. 163 vision is increased. It symbolizes the endeavour of the humanbeing to look up and take a wider view. The figure No. 23shows by dotted and other lines many geometrical arrange-ments. The shrimp-like, nondescript monster seems to sym-bolize the great and unknown difficulties which man has toencounter in his struggle upwards. The design below themonster is that of a dagger-blade, and would be more readilyunderstood if a human hand were shown at the butt-end. Theblade seems to indicate the conception of climbing upwardsover a very steep face of ground, in which the blade is fromtime to time used to dig out footholds and to assist theupward progression. The blade points directly towards thecentre of the body of the monster, indicating a direct boldattack—a determined endeavour to remove the difficulties. This symbolism is quite in keeping with that of thePicts, as disclosed by several hundred sculpturings, mo

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