Record

Detail of silver and enamelled handpin

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found at Gaulcross, Banffshire

Postcard of Detail of silver and enamelled handpin.
000-190-001-144-C
© National Museums Scotland

Detail of silver and enamelled handpin

This silver handpin with enamel decoration is part of a hoard of Pictish jewellery found at Gaulcross in Banffshire. It was buried between 500 and 700. This picture shows a detail of the head.

The palm's three hair-spring spirals are on a background of red enamel. On the tip of the middle finger there is an eight-pointed star.

The extensive use of silver in Pictish metalwork in the 6th and 7th century reflects the reuse of Roman silver, which had been imported to Scotland in large quantities.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-001-144-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  Q.L.1962.128
Date: Between 500 and 700
Material: Silver, red enamel
Dimensions:
What: Pin, hand
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Banffshire, Gaulcross
Event:
Description: Silver hand pin with head enamelled red with spiral design, from Gaulcross, Banffshire
References:
  • Youngs, Susan (ed). 'The Work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museums Publications Ltd, 1989, p 26. 
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