We noticed these two "niches" carved into
the north wall of the northern cell (arrowed above). The are not mentioned in
any publications we can find and seem to be original
features from the time of the chamber's creation.
Closer view of the two "niches", they both have definite ledges at their bases and "brows" at their tops.
Close-up of eastern "niche".
Both the "brow" and "ledge" are very apparent in this image. The niche is
roughly rectangular and measures approx.
28 x 36cm.
"Ledge" at bottom of eastern niche.
The "peck" marks left by the tooling used to fashion the chamber are visible
over the entire surface of the niche and can be seen in the above photo.
This strongly suggests that the niches are original intentional features made by
the tomb's creators, and not later alterations.
There is no mention of these "niches" in
any publication we can find. As many of the accounts go into fair detail
regarding the modern graffiti inflicted
on The Stane, especially Mouncey's external inscription, it is surprising that
these original carvings have been completely overlooked.