Silver spoon

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This silver spoon was one of a number found under the floor of St Ronan's Chapel at Iona Nunnery. It dates from the 13th century.

At the junction of the bowl and stem is a grotesque animal head. The lower portion of the stem is ornamented with a geometric design composed of lozenges enclosing leaf-like figures inlaid with niello. Part of the bowl is now missing.

The earliest buildings of the religious establishment on Iona were founded by Columba after his arrival on the island in 563. The nunnery dates from the early 13th century.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-094-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.HX 35
• Date: 13th century
  
• Material: Silver
  Spoon
  
• Dimensions: 200 mm L
  
• What: Spoon
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Argyll, Iona Nunnery
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver spoon, bowl imperfect and missing a large piece, decoration designs show signs of being nielloed, from Iona Nunnery, 13th century
  
• References:
  • Caldwell, D.H. (ed). Angels Nobles and Unicorns: Art and Patronage in Medieval Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1982 
• Translations:
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