Sword pommel

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This silver gilt sword pommel was found in a hoard containing 28 silver objects and part of the jaw of a porpoise, buried in a ruined chapel on St Ninian's Isle, at Dunrossness, on Shetland. The objects probably belonged to a Pictish chief.

The 'cocked hat' pommel has cast decoration in chip-carved technique of interlaced animals filling six panels. The form and ornament suggest either a Pictish interpretation of Anglo-Saxon metalwork, or perhaps an Anglo-Saxon import.

The St Ninian's Isle hoard contained eight silver bowls, 12 silver brooches, a sword pommel, two chapes, two eating utensils, three mounts and part of a porpoise's jawbone. They were buried under a church's floor, presumably for safekeeping.

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-426-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FC 278 A
• Date: Between 750 and 825
  
• Material: Of cocked hat form; with cast decoration in chip carved technique of interlaced animals filling six panels
  Pommel
  
• Dimensions: 2.15" L
  
• What: Pommel
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, St Ninian's Isle
  
• Event:
• Description: Pommel of cocked hat form with cast decoration in chip-carved technique of interlaced animals filling six panels, from St Ninian's Isle, Shetland
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, p. 118. 
  • Webster, Leslie and Backhouse, Janet. The making of England. Anglo-Saxon art and culture AD 600-900. London: British Museum Press, 1991, p 223. 
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