Pictish chain of silver

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This massive silver chain was found at Haddington in East Lothian. 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 31 pairs of small silver rings, ending in a single link. It is incomplete, lacking its penannular terminal ring. It weighs 687 grams.

Although commonly attributed to the Picts, only three chains 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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• Online ID: 000-100-036-325-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FC 149
• Date: Between 400 and 800
  
• Material: Silver; small double rings
  Chain
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Chain
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Haddington
  
• Event:
• Description: Pictish chain of small double rings of silver, from near Haddington, East Lothian
  
• References:
  • Douglas, Hon. Lord and Smith, J.A. Notice of the discovery of a massive silver chain of plain double rings or links at Hoardwell, Berwickshire. With notes of similar chains found in Scotland. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 15 (1880 
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