NMS


 

Record

Box

< 1 of 1 > Back

Unst, Shetland

Box
Add to album

This small bronze box, probably used to hold a set of weights, was found with a brass oval brooch on Unst in Shetland. They are probably from a Norse woman's grave, dating from between 850 and 900.

This picture shows the circular box pictured from above, with its 19th century museum labels still attached. The lid of the box is missing, and the bottom is damaged around the edges. Similar boxes are known from Scandinavia.

Anyone involved in trading and selling in the Norse areas of Scotland would have needed a portable balance and a set of weights. Precious metal would have been placed in one pan, and various combinations of weights in the other.

Record details

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


< 1 of 1 > Back