Record
Brooch pin
from Balnakeil, Durness, Sutherland
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This bronze brooch was found in a Viking boy's burial at Balnakeil near Durness in Sutherland in 1991. He was buried with adult weapons and various objects on a bedding of feathers and straw, sometime between 850 and 900.
The brooch is a type known as a brooch pin. It has club like terminals on the penannular ring. Mineralised textile fragments are preserved on the lower section of the ring, presumably from the cloak or shroud the brooch fastened.
Brooch pins of this form were used to fasten clothing. They are an Irish form of jewellery, but were adopted by some Vikings. Although generally worn in the 8th and 9th centuries, some late examples are also known.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-000-099-780-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
Kiloran Bay Viking Burial (multimedia essay)
Project description View all records in project - Ref: National Museums Scotland
- Date: Between 850 and 900
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- References:
- Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 140-2.
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