from Jarlshof, Shetland and Blackerne, Kirkcudbrightshire
Add to albumThese two silver bracelets are examples of two types popular with Scandinavian settlers. The one on the left, of a type called 'ring-money', was popular in Scotland. The one on the right, of a type called a Hiberno-Viking armring, was popular in Ireland.
Both bracelets were valued as bullion. The plain 'ring-money' highlights the overlap between ornament and bullion. It could be worn to display wealth, but when needed could be used as payment. This one is the only example found from a Scottish settlement site.
Hiberno-Viking armrings were made by hammering out silver ingots. Some are plain, while others, like this one, have stamped decoration. Like 'ring-money', most are generally found in hoards. However, this one may be from a grave.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-190-004-091-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland X.HSA 995 A
- Date: Bracelet on left: 10th or 11th century; bracelet on right: 850-900
- Material: Silver; flat; ribbed on outer side
Silver; penannular; diamond shaped section
Ring, arm
Ring, arm / fragment
- Dimensions: 2.60" D
- What: Ring, arm
Ring, arm / fragment
- Subject:
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Crossmichael, Blackerne
Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
- Event:
- Description: Norse silver arm ring fragment, ribbed on outer side, from Blackerne, Kirkcudbrightshire
Silver penannular arm ring, from Jarlshof
- References:
- Graham-Campbell, James. The Viking-age gold and silver of Scotland (AD 850-1100), 1995, pp 26-7, 57-9, 153, 161
- Translations:
- Related Records: