Moulds

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These two halves (or valves) of a two-piece clay mould were found on the Brough of Birsay in Orkney. They are among a number of moulds which show that Pictish metalwork was produced in the 8th century on the site.

The front valve is very worn and fragmentary. From the more complete back valve, it is clear that the mould was used to cast two birds' heads, one in profile and one head down in the clay. Both would have had flat bases.

Pictish metalwork is characterised by distinctive forms and ornaments, and a lavish use of silver. Animals were popular motifs, and portrayed in a variety of ways. Three dimensional birds' heads are found on some brooch terminals.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-085-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HB 311
• Date: 700 - 800
  700 - 800
  Between 700 and 800
  
• Material: Clay; incomplete front half of mould with matrix form bird's head in profile; ornamental
  Clay; incomplete front half of mould with matrix form bird's head in profile; ornamental
  Mould / fragment
  Mould / fragment
  
• Dimensions: 38mm x 40mm
  38mm x 40mm
  
• What: Mould / fragment
  Mould / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Brough of Birsay
  Scotland, Orkney, Brough of Birsay
  
• Event:
• Description: Fragment of a mould from the Brough of Birsay, Orkney, 700 - 800
  Fragment of a mould from the Brough of Birsay, Orkney, 700 - 800
  
• References:
  • Youngs, Susan (ed). 'The Work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museums Publications Ltd, 1989, p 190. 
• Translations:
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