Pictish chain of silver

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This massive silver chain was found at Whitecleugh in Lanarkshire. It is one of ten surviving heavy silver chains, of a type found only in Scotland and generally attributed to the Picts. They were symbols of high status, worn between 400 and 800 AD.

The chain consists of 44 circular rings linked together in pairs with a penannular terminal ring. The ring is decorated with symbols similar to those found on Pictish stones, here inlaid with red enamel. The chain weighs 1.73 kilograms.

Although commonly attributed to the Picts, only three chains have been found in the Pictish kingdom proper. This chain is one of two decorated with Pictish symbols. These chains were almost certainly badges of high rank.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-151-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FC 150
• Date: 6th or 7th century
  Between 400 and 800
  
• Material: Silver with red enamel; of double rings; penannular ring engraved with two of the symbols of the sculptured stones
  Chain
  
• Dimensions: 62.5 oz weight
  
• What: Chain
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Lanarkshire, Crawfordjohn, Whitecleugh
  
• Event:
• Description: Pictish chain of 22 double links with a penannular terminal ring, the ring engraved with designs inlaid with red enamel, found at Whitecleugh, Lanarkshire
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni (ed.). The Wealth of a Nation. Edinburgh & Glasgow: NMS & Drew, 1989 
• Translations:
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