Community Lens for Dec. 12

“This photo was taken in 2017, during a time our family was living in Northern Ireland,” wrote Matt Bolch. “Bronze Age religious symbol or bullock hindquarters scratching post? The Ardmore Gallan Standing Stone may have served the former purpose at some time during its 2,500-year history, but it’s definitely serving the latter purpose at present from its location in the middle of a field full of cattle. The Ardmore Gallan Standing Stone is located a couple of miles outside an Irish village in County Donegal with the great name of Muff. In fact, the stone is often called the Muff Stone. It dates from 2,500 BC, standing about six feet tall and half that in width and depth. Its distinct feature is 40 cup marks, or round indentions, about half of which are encircled by one, two or three rings.”