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Pictish chain of silver

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From Parkhill, Aberdeenshire

Pictish chain of silver
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This massive silver chain was found at Parkhill in Aberdeenshire. It is one of ten surviving heavy silver chains, of a type found only in Scotland and generally attributed to the Picts. They were symbols of high status, worn between 400 and 800 AD.

The chain consists of 23 pairs of silver rings, and a terminal link. It is one of two silver chains whose terminal link is ornamented with symbols similar to those found on Pictish stones, here highlighted by red enamel. The chain weighs 1.23 kilograms.

Although commonly attributed to the Picts, only three chains, including this one, have been found in the Pictish kingdom proper. They were almost certainly badges of high rank - perhaps the equivalent of 'crown jewels' in a land of many kings.

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