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One-pronged implement of silver

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found on St Ninian's Isle, Dunrossness, Shetland

Postcard of One-pronged implement of silver.
000-100-036-425-C
© National Museums Scotland

One-pronged implement of silver

This silver one-pronged implement, probably an item of cutlery, is part of a hoard of Pictish metalwork found on St Ninian's Isle at Dunrossness in Shetland. The hoard was buried on the site of an early Christian church, sometime between 750 and 825.

The stem of this one-pronged implement is square in section. At one end is a long claw-like projection which springs from an expanded spur.

The objects in the St Ninian's Isle hoard probably belonged to a Pictish chief who buried his precious objects for safekeeping, perhaps at a time of danger such as a Viking raid.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-036-425-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 277
Date: 8th century
Buried between 750 and 825
Material: Silver; one-pronged, claw-like, widening into a rounded projection below curved tip; stem perforated for a suspension ring, part of which remains; engraved interlace design on both faces
Dimensions: 6.60" L
What: Implement
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Shetland, St Ninian's Isle
Event:
Description: One-pronged implement of silver, decorated on both faces with an engraved design of interlace, from St Ninian's Isle, Pictish, 8th century
References:
  • Small, A., Thomas, C., & Wilson, D. M. St. Ninian's Isle and its Treasure. London: Oxford University Press,1973 
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