Pieces of a clay mould for making swords

Add to album

These pieces of a clay mould were found at Jarlshof in Shetland. They belong to an unused mould for a sword. A number of mould fragments for swords were found at Jarlshof, remains of a bronze-smith's workshop in use sometime between 950 and 750 BC.

The surviving pieces were for the blade section of the sword. The mould was unused. Impressions of cords, used to hold the mould together, are preserved in places on the casing.

Early metalsmiths developed sophisticated casting techniques as time went on. The two-piece moulds were closed, and molten metal poured into the channel at the top. Once the metal had hardened, the mould was broken and the pieces discarded.

Record details

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

• Online ID: 000-100-043-084-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 3943
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Section for blade; unused and complete with casing; impressions of transverse cords in the casing
  Mould / portion
  
• Dimensions: 9.70" L
  
• What: Mould / portion
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Blade section of a sword mould, unused and complete with casing, now in three pieces, from Jarlshof
  
• References:
  • Turner, Val. Ancient Shetland. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd, 1998, pp 59-60. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: