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Pictish chain of silver

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From Haddington, East Lothian

Postcard of Pictish chain of silver.
000-100-036-325-C
© National Museums Scotland

Pictish chain of silver

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: 0098: 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
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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