From St Ninian's Isle, Dunrossness, Shetland
Add to albumThis silver gilt sword pommel was found in a hoard containing 28 silver objects and part of the jaw of a porpoise, buried in a ruined chapel on St Ninian's Isle, at Dunrossness, on Shetland. The objects probably belonged to a Pictish chief.
The 'cocked hat' pommel has cast decoration in chip-carved technique of interlaced animals filling six panels. The form and ornament suggest either a Pictish interpretation of Anglo-Saxon metalwork, or perhaps an Anglo-Saxon import.
The St Ninian's Isle hoard contained eight silver bowls, 12 silver brooches, a sword pommel, two chapes, two eating utensils, three mounts and part of a porpoise's jawbone. They were buried under a church's floor, presumably for safekeeping.
Record details
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.
- Online ID: 000-100-036-426-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland X.FC 278 A
- Date: Between 750 and 825
- Material: Of cocked hat form; with cast decoration in chip carved technique of interlaced animals filling six panels
Pommel
- Dimensions: 2.15" L
- What: Pommel
- Subject:
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Shetland, St Ninian's Isle
- Event:
- Description: Pommel of cocked hat form with cast decoration in chip-carved technique of interlaced animals filling six panels, from St Ninian's Isle, Shetland
- References:
- Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, p. 118.
- Webster, Leslie and Backhouse, Janet. The making of England. Anglo-Saxon art and culture AD 600-900. London: British Museum Press, 1991, p 223.
- Translations:
- Related Records: