kúpu

Kúpu is a site in the Shetland Islands,Scotland, located on the island of Papa Stour. The site is prehistoric and consists of a number of clearance cairns, stone circles, and dwellings. It has been dated to around 500 BC and is notable for its preserved archaeological features.

The kèrapas or dwellings on the site are a type of Shetlandic house typically dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. These houses are typically small, one-roomed, black houses, consisting of a single room with a fire at one end and gables on either side of a central door.

Kúpu, however, displays kèrey or “brochs of the house type”, attributed to an earlier period around 500 BC. These structures are constructed with smaller stones and are more prone to structural compromise over time. Evidence exists in the form of physical remains and excavation reports.

Pika Pola or the 'Great Cairn' is the largest cairn found at the site. Measuring 25 feet at its base and composed of tightly arranged stones, with most of its height cleared out to the second stone layer. Construction seemed to have occurred over time with lower layers robbed out and higher layers and surrounds exposed.

Papa Stour, where the site of Kúpu is located, is relatively isolated. Excavation conditions were difficult due to loss of ancient document, weather conditions, slide lines, historic soil covering, it affected greatly. The keries to the south and west of the site remain unexcavated.