Record

Silver handpin

< 1 of 1 > Back

From Norrie's Law, near Largo, Fife

Postcard of Silver handpin.
000-100-036-221-C
© National Museums Scotland

Silver handpin

This silver handpin with red enamel decoration is one of two similar ones found at Norrie's Law near Largo in Fife in a large hoard of silver jewellery and hacksilver. The hoard was buried between 600 and 700.

Red enamel provides a background to the semicircular section decorated in fine spirals and to the central roundel with cross at the top. Around the edge of the pinhead is an engraved herringbone pattern and a line of beading.

Handpins were used as dress fasteners, although some examples, as this one, were clearly high class and expensive jewellery. Handpins of this type are found in both Scotland and Ireland. The similar one in the hoard has a Pictish symbol on its back.


Record details

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

Online ID: 000-100-036-221-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FC 31
Date: Between 600 and 700
Material: Silver; with enamelled head
Dimensions: 6.25" L
What: Pin
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Fife, Largo, Norrie's Law
Event:
Description: Silver pin with enamelled head, from Norrie's Law
References:
  • Youngs, Susan (ed.). 'The work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museum Publications Ltd, 1989, pp 26-7. 
Translations:
Related Records:
< 1 of 1 > Back
 
Powered by Scran