from Lamba Ness, Sanday, Orkney

Spearhead and sword (piece)

This iron spearhead and piece of a sword were found at Lamba Ness on Sanday in Orkney, together with an axe and perhaps a shield. They probably formed part of the grave goods of a Scandinavian man, who was buried between 900 and 1000.

The spearhead is badly corroded, but had a relatively long socket and broad blade. It is a light throwing spear, possibly made in the British Isles. The double-edged sword is even more poorly preserved, with only the guard and a bit of the blade surviving.

Viking men were often buried with their weapons, together with a range of objects to accompany them after death. This man appears to have a full weapon 'kit' of sword, spear, axe and shield, lacking only the armour and helmet of the most wealthy.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-000-099-673-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0036: Kiloran Bay Viking Burial (multimedia essay) Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.IL 180
Date:	Between 900 and 1000
Material:	Iron
Dimensions:
What:	Spearhead / portion
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Orkney, Sanday, Lamaness
Event:
Description:	Portion of iron spearhead from Lamaness, Sanday
References:	Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 56-7. Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, p 88.
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