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Pictish chain of silver

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From Traprain Law, East Lothian

Postcard of Pictish chain of silver.
000-100-036-383-C
© National Museums Scotland

Pictish chain of silver

This silver chain was found on Traprain Law 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 19 pairs of silver rings, with a single ring at one end. It is incomplete, lacking its penannular terminal ring. It weighs 1.66 kilograms.

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: 000-100-036-383-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 248
Date: Between 400 and 800
Material: Silver; nineteen pairs of circular rings; single ring at one end
Dimensions: 53 oz 15 dwt weight
What: Chain
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
Event:
Description: Massive Pictish silver chain consisting of nineteen pairs of circular rings with a single ring at one end, from Traprain Law
References:
  • Edwards, A. J. H. A massive double-linked silver chain. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 73 (1938-9), pp 326-7. 
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