Orkney Venus , Westray Wifie
Orkney Venus , Westray Wifie
Orkney Venus , Westray Wifie
Orkney Venus , Westray Wifie
Orkney Venus , Westray Wifie

Orkney Venus , Westray Wifie

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Handcrafted Replica of the Westray Figurine – Inspired by the Links of Noltland Discovery

Details

Discovered in the summer of 2009, this charming little figure caused a stir in the archaeological world as it was, at the time, the earliest known human representation ever found in Scotland. Unearthed at the Links of Noltland on the island of Westray, Orkney, the figure—affectionately dubbed the “Westray Wifie”—continues to spark questions about its meaning, symbolism, and use within Neolithic society.

For around 5,000 years, she lay hidden within the collapsed walls of a Neolithic farmhouse, once part of a well-organised settlement surrounded by fields and boundary walls. Over time, the building’s purpose changed, possibly used as a storehouse or animal pen, and eventually became a midden—a refuse heap of daily life. It was here, amongst the discarded debris, that archaeologists discovered this modest yet evocative sandstone figure.

Her context suggests she may have been placed in the midden as part of a ritual deposition, perhaps an offering marking the end of the building’s domestic use. Despite her small size, the attention to detail is striking. Decorated on both the front and back, the figure was clearly meant to be seen from all sides. Some have speculated she may have been used as a pendant, toy, deity, or fertility symbol—but the lack of wear suggests she may never have been worn or handled extensively before being placed in the ground.

Our museum-quality replica is inspired by this remarkable find and aims to replicate not only the form of the original but its texture and presence. The original was carved from local sandstone, so we’ve chosen a sandy-textured smoke-fired terracotta to echo that material faithfully.

Materials
Smoke-fired terracotta

Dimensions
Height: Approx. 45 mm
Width: Approx. 30 mm
Depth: Approx. 15 mm

Variations
Please note that due to the firing process, surface colour and mottling will vary, making each figure entirely unique

Production

This figure has been handmade in Northumberland in a small pottery studio using traditional techniques:

  • Created using natural clay, carefully textured to echo the grain of sandstone

  • Smoke-fired to emulate the colouration of the original figure

  • Each piece is unique, with variations in shape and finish due to the firing process

Health & Safety
As a museum-quality decorative replica, this piece is not designed for food use or handling by very young children. It is best suited for display or educational purposes.

Ordering Information
‘Add to Basket’ Items: Ready to ship immediately
‘Pre-order’ Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders). If your order includes both types, items will be shipped together once all are ready

Shipping
All items are sent via second-class postal service as standard
If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote
Postage Note: All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition

A beautifully crafted link to Neolithic Orkney, the Westray Figurine is a powerful reminder of early artistic expression and the enduring mystery of prehistoric lives.

 

SHIPPING

'Add To Cart' items are ready to send straight away. Please be aware that if bought alongside 'Pre-order' items, your order will be sent when all items are ready. 

'Pre-order' items are made to order, and we will dispatch them as soon as we have handcrafted them for you; this usually takes 90 days, but international orders can take a little longer.

We ship our fabulous replicas worldwide.
Shipping costs are worked out during checkout. They are based on where you are in the world and how heavy your parcel is, which can be very variable.

All items are sent using a second-class postal service. If you wish to have an item sent first class, please contact us for a quote. Many Thanks

RETURNS
If you aren't completely satisfied with your Potted History piece, please get in touch to organise a return. Email us at

clare@rothburycreates.co.uk

Then you can send it back at your own cost in an unused condition within 30 days, and we'll refund you for the cost of the item or items returned. If you include your order number with the returned package, that will speed things up. Please leave any original packaging intact.

Our returns address is:
Potted History, Gregory Court, Rothbury, Northumberland, NE65 7SW

PRODUCT VARIATION

Please be aware that due to items being handmade and finished, colour variations will occur during the making process, and each replica will have some differences.  Also, know that the item photographed may not be the one that you receive, and colours can appear differently on different screens.  Please ensure you look at all the images to get a fully formed idea of the item you are ordering as we try to capture the variations within the images we share.  If you prefer a specific colour variation, please contact us before ordering. 

Don't take our word for it

Hello Graham and Sarah, I wanted to message because I ordered your holy grail pot for my dad's birthday and he is over the moon with it.

Rachel Frankish

Many thanks again for all of the pottery - this will help bring our new Heritage learning programme to life!

Nottingham University Museum

I love it! I love everything about it, what it represents, why you made it and the history behind it. It was worth the wait! Thank you so much.

Gillian Castle

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