![Postcard of Bone pins.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00987110.jpg&PHPSESSID=02ac1tde43gdlvhe4gv6r100d0) 000-100-042-242-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Bone pins
These bone pins were found at Jarlshof in Shetland. They were used as dress pins or hairpins, sometime between 850 and 1100. These pins are particularly fine examples, and the product of accomplished craftsmen.
The heads of the pins were carved into elaborate three-dimensional animal heads.
Bone pins are common finds from Viking settlements, reflecting their common use as dress pins to fasten clothing together or as hairpins. Animal-headed pins have been found widely in Scandinavia, and to a lesser extent in the British Isles.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-100-042-242-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.HSA 4 |
Date: |
Between 850 and 1100
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Material: |
Bone; animal head Bone; animal head Bone; animal head Bone; two animal heads
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Dimensions: |
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What: |
Pin, dress / hairpin Pin, dress / hairpin Pin, dress / hairpin Pin, dress / hairpin
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Subject: |
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Who: |
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Where: |
Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
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Event: |
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Description: |
Animal-headed dress pin or hairpin of bone, from Jarlshof, Shetland Animal-headed dress pin or hairpin of bone, from Jarlshof, Shetland Dress pin or hairpin of bone with two animal heads, from Jarlshof, Shetland Animal-headed dress pin or hairpin of bone, from Jarlshof, Shetland
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References: |
- Hamilton, J.R.C. Excavations at Jarlshof, Shetland. Edinburgh: Ministry of Works, Archaeological Reports 1, 1956, p 124.
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