Clava cairn

The Clava Cairns are a group of Bronze Age burial cairns located near Inverness, in the Scottish Highlands. These ancient structures are part of a larger complex of prehistoric sites in the region and are notable for their unique design and historical significance.

Description

The Clava Cairns consist of three well-preserved cairns, each surrounded by a stone circle. The cairns are believed to have been constructed around 2000 BCE and are characteristic of the Bronze Age burial practices in Scotland. The site includes two types of cairns: passage graves and ring cairns.

Passage Graves

The passage graves at Clava Cairns are circular mounds of stones with a central chamber that is accessed by a narrow passage. These structures are aligned with the setting sun during the winter solstice, suggesting a ceremonial or astronomical purpose.

Ring Cairns

The ring cairns are circular stone structures without a central chamber. They are surrounded by a ring of standing stones, which may have served a ritualistic function.

Archaeological Significance

The Clava Cairns provide valuable insights into the burial practices and ceremonial traditions of the Bronze Age peoples in Scotland. The alignment of the cairns with celestial events indicates a sophisticated understanding of astronomy.

Conservation

The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland, which ensures its preservation and accessibility to the public. Visitors can explore the cairns and learn about their history through informational displays.

Also see

• Bronze Age Britain
• Stone Circles in the British Isles
• Neolithic and Bronze Age Scotland
• Archaeology of Scotland