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Pictish chain of silver

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From Whitlaw, near Lauder, Berwickshire

Postcard of Pictish chain of silver.
000-100-036-336-C
© National Museums Scotland

Pictish chain of silver

This silver chain was found at Whitlaw near Lauder in Berwickshire. 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 incomplete chain consists of six complete links, two broken links and a plain terminal ring.

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.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-036-336-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 172
Date: Between 400 and 800
Material: Silver; massive; double rings
Dimensions:
What: Chain / portion
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Berwickshire, Lauder, Whitley
Event:
Description: Portion of a massive Pictish chain of double rings of silver, from Whitley, Lauder
References:
  • Donations to the Museum and Library. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 29 (1894-5), pp 209-10 
Translations:
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