From Torvean, Inverness-shire

Pictish chain of silver

This massive silver chain was found at Torvean in Inverness-shire. 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 has 16 pairs of silver rings, plus a single ring at one end. It is incomplete, lacking its penannular terminal ring, which was lost soon after the chain was found. It is the heaviest of the ten surviving examples, weighing 2.88 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.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-036-324-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 148
Date:	Between 400 and 800
Material:	Silver; double rings; without terminal ring
Dimensions:	Weight 93 oz
What:	Chain
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Inverness-shire, Inverness, Caledonian Canal
Event:
Description:	Pictish chain of double rings of silver found in digging the Caledonian Canal, near Inverness
References:	Smith, J.A. Notice of a silver chain or girdle... Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 10 (1872-4), pp 321-47, esp. pp 328-30. The Scot's Magazine, 72 (May 1810), p 323.
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