NMS


 

Record

Mount, reused as a brooch

< 1 of 1 > Back

from Westness, Rousay, Orkney

Mount, reused as a brooch
Add to album

This gilt bronze mount, probably from a shrine for a Gospel Book, was found in a wealthy woman's grave at Westness on Rousay in Orkney. It was made in the 8th or 9th century, and probably looted by Vikings. It was then refashioned into a brooch.

The mount shows a lion, the symbol of St Mark, in high relief, his body decorated with lines and patterns. Around him is a background of scrolls in lower relief. The object is decayed and damaged.

The Vikings were both raiders and traders. Some objects, such as this one, could only have been obtained as loot, since no Christian would have destroyed a shrine. However, once taken, the object may have been traded - the looters need not have lived at Westness.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.


< 1 of 1 > Back