Pictish chain of silver

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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: 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
  Chain
  
• 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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