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Sword (detail)

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from near the Knowe of Swandro, Rousay, Orkney

Postcard of Sword (detail).
000-000-099-765-C
© National Museums Scotland

Sword (detail)

This is a detail of an iron sword with a bronze grip binding found in many pieces near the Knowe of Swandro on Rousay in Orkney. It probably is from a Viking grave. The sword was a particularly fine object, although it is in poor condition now.

This detail shows the hilt and part of the upper blade. Originally the sword had silver and bronze inlay on the hilt, but this is preserved separately now. The grip binding is unusual, and was perhaps originally gilt.

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: 000-000-099-765-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0036: Kiloran Bay Viking Burial (multimedia essay)
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IL 191
Date: Between 850 and 950
Material: Iron
Dimensions:
What: Sword
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Sweindrow
Event:
Description: Iron sword with silver inlay on hilt, from Sweindrow, Rousay, Orkney
References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, p 56. 
  • Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, pp 88-90. 
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