Sword (piece)

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This piece of a sword was found at Lamba Ness on Sanday in Orkney, together with a spear, axe and perhaps a shield. They probably formed part of the grave goods of a man who was buried between 900 and 1000.

Only the lower guard and part of the upper blade survive from this poorly preserved sword. Corrosion has made holes within the blade and distorted both cutting edges.

Viking men were often buried with their weapons, together with a range of objects to accompany them after death. Swords were highly valued items, even plain ones. Some were elaborately decorated. They were used as slashing weapons.

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-725-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Kiloran Bay Viking Burial (multimedia essay)
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  
• Date: Between 900 and 1000
  
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• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 56-7. 
  • Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, p 88. 
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