Unstan ware is the name used by archaeologists for a type of finely made and decorated Neolithic pottery from the 4th millennium BC. Typical are elegant, round based bowls with a band of grooved patterning below the rim.

It is named after Unstan chambered cairn and fort on the Mainland of the Orkney Islands, a fine example of a stalled burial chamber in a circular mound, where the style of pottery was first found.

It has been found at many sites including Knap of Howar, Balbrindie and Eilean Domhnuill

Unstan ware may have evolved into the later grooved ware style

Also see: prehistoric Scotland - Farmers and monument builders

References

• Scotland Before History - Stuart Piggott, Edinburgh University Press 1982, ISBN -07524-1400-3
• Scotland's Hidden History - Ian Armit, Tempus (in association with Historic Scotland) 1998, ISBN 0-7486-6067-4
• The Other Orkney Book - Gordon Thomson, Northabout Publishing 1980, ISBN 0-907200-00-1