K15 - The Sundial Stone. Knowth, Newgrange.

K15 Stone, handcrafted, handpainted. Dimensions: 6" length, 4" high, 2" deep. K15 is situated in the Stone Age passage Tomb at Knowth, which alongside Dowth and Newgrange form the principle Bru Na Boinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. Knowth is the largest of the three, with a raised mound over 40ft High and featuring two passages along an East/West line. K15 is found within the Tomb and has been dated at 4900 years old. K15 is widely known as 'The Sundial Stone' primarily due to the highly intricate, precise astronomical carvings on its face. Some have speculated that it forms a primitive calendar, with etchings and markers that align to the 16 months of the Neolithic annum. An experiment carried out over one full year on a replicated model, however, strongly suggests that it functioned as a highly sophisticated Sundial, with a vertical East declining dial. The Summer Equinox and Winter Solstice are particularly heavily inscribed. The astronomical alignment of this wondrous artefact is without doubt, though its true intention remains a mystery. If it is a genuine Sundial, it will prove to be the world's oldest, with the previous record holder being found in Egypt and dated at a comparatively youthful 1700 years old.