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This bronze mount was found in a small cist at Knowe of Moan on Harray in Orkney, together with another mount, a number of beads, bits of slag, pebble fragments and perhaps an associated pot. The mounts were made in Ireland or Scotland.

The openwork mount has square panels decorated with interlace ornament. The centre panel, and two circular panels at the bottom probably once held stones or amber. There is a circular hole through part of one square panel.

The function of this object, and the context of the find, is the matter of some speculation. The cist is too small for a grave, so perhaps this is a savings hoard - but of a Viking or native is unclear.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-382-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FC 244
• Date: Between 850 and 950
  
• Material: Bronze; pentagonal; openwork
  Brooch
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Brooch
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Harray, Moan, Knowe of Moan
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze pentagonal 'Celtic' brooch with openwork, Knowe of Moan, Moan, Harray, Orkney
  
• References:
  • Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, pp 200-1. 
• Translations:
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