from the Brough of Birsay, Orkney

Moulds

These two halves (or valves) of a two-piece clay mould were found on the Brough of Birsay in Orkney. They are among a number of moulds which show that Pictish metalwork was produced in the 8th century on the site.

The front valve is very worn and fragmentary. From the more complete back valve, it is clear that the mould was used to cast two birds' heads, one in profile and one head down in the clay. Both would have had flat bases.

Pictish metalwork is characterised by distinctive forms and ornaments, and a lavish use of silver. Animals were popular motifs, and portrayed in a variety of ways. Three dimensional birds' heads are found on some brooch terminals.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-190-004-085-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.HB 311
Date:	700 - 800 700 - 800 Between 700 and 800
Material:	Clay; incomplete front half of mould with matrix form bird's head in profile; ornamental Clay; incomplete front half of mould with matrix form bird's head in profile; ornamental
Dimensions:	38mm x 40mm 38mm x 40mm
What:	Mould / fragment Mould / fragment
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Orkney, Brough of Birsay Scotland, Orkney, Brough of Birsay
Event:
Description:	Fragment of a mould from the Brough of Birsay, Orkney, 700 - 800 Fragment of a mould from the Brough of Birsay, Orkney, 700 - 800
References:	Youngs, Susan (ed). 'The Work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museums Publications Ltd, 1989, p 190.
Translations:
Related Records: