ARCHAEOLOGISTS have found three extraordinary stone carvings while charting the phenomenon of prehistoric rock markings in the North-East.
Records and examples of more than 950 prehistoric rock art panels exist in Northumberland, all using the same markings.
But archaeologists at the University of Newcastle, who are studying prehistoric rock carvings, are baffled by three unusual markings found carved into rocks at separate locations.
They consist of a small heart shape and a stylised carving of a human face, both found near prehistoric rock carvings close to Rothbury.
One discovered near Wark is such an unusual combination of lines and circles, that experts say it is impossible to say what it depicts.
Experts think the newly-discovered mystery marks could be as little as between 100 and 250 years old.
Dr Aron Mazel, of Newcastle University's School of Historical Studies, is leading the Northumberland Rock Art Project with international rock art expert, Hexham-based Stan Beckensall.
He said: "We have enjoyed speculating about the meaning of these new and unusual markings but the truth is we really don't know what they are.
"We found the heart marking next to a quarried edge, and I like to think it's the work of a lonely quarryman."
The Northumberland Rock Art project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Board, can be visited at http://rockart.ncl.ac.uk
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