From St Ninian's Isle, Dunrossness, Shetland
000-100-036-426-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Sword pommel
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.
Record details
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| Online ID: |
000-100-036-426-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 278 A |
| Date: |
Between 750 and 825
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| Material: |
Of cocked hat form; with cast decoration in chip carved technique of interlaced animals filling six panels
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| Dimensions: |
2.15" L
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| What: |
Pommel
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| Subject: |
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| Who: |
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| Where: |
Scotland, Shetland, St Ninian's Isle
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| Event: |
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| 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
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| 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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