Pins from Jarlshof, Shetland

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These bone pins were found at the site of the Norse settlement at Jarlshof in Shetland. They were used as dress or hairpins between 800 and 1100.

Two of the pins are carved with elaborate three-dimensional animal heads. The pins with an axe and cross on their heads were probably religious amulets as well. The axe was a symbol of the Norse god Odin, as well as the Christian St. Olaf.

Bone pins are common finds from Viking settlements, reflecting their common use as dress pins to fasten clothing together or as hairpins. A number of finely carved pins were found at Jarlshof.

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• Online ID: 000-000-136-636-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Early Scottish Shelter - Life in the Prehistoric Home (multimedia essay)
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 124
• Date: Between 800 and 1100
  
• Material: Bone; animal head
  Bone; axe head
  Bone; cross head
  Bone; two animal heads
  Pin
  Pin
  Pin, dress / hairpin
  Pin, dress / hairpin
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Pin
  Pin
  Pin, dress / hairpin
  Pin, dress / hairpin
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Dress pin or hairpin of bone with two animal heads, from Jarlshof, Shetland
  Animal-headed dress pin or hairpin of bone, from Jarlshof, Shetland
  Axe-headed bone pin from Jarlshof
  Cross-headed bone pin from Jarlshof
  
• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, J. Viking artefacts. A select catalogue. London: Trustees of the British Museum, 1980, nos. 211, 213, 214. 
  • Hamilton, J.R.C. Excavations at Jarlshof, Shetland. Edinburgh: Ministry of Works Archeological Reports 1, 1956, pp 124-5, 141, 148. 
• Translations:
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