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Mount of silver

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found on St Ninian's Isle, Dunrossness, Shetland

Mount of silver
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This is the largest of three silver mounts found in a hoard of Pictish metalwork 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 two opposing drilled holes on the sides of the cone-shaped mount are joined by a silver tube. The mount is engraved with eight animals in a complicated interlace pattern. The function of the mounts is unknown.

The metalwork found in the St Ninian's Isle treasure shows the skill and accomplishment of Pictish craftsmen. Some of the decorative motifs, such as those on the mounts, can be paralleled on contemporary Pictish stones.

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