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Base for mounts

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From St Ninian's Isle, Dunrossness, Shetland

Base for mounts
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These two silver bases for mounts of unknown purpose were found in a hoard containing 28 silver items and part of a porpoise's jaw, buried on St Ninian's Isle, at Dunrossness, on Shetland. The objects probably belonged to a Pictish chief.

Although only one base retains the beaded edge, used to hide the soldering where the base attached to the conical mount, both originally had this feature. Both bases are pierced, perhaps to allow the mounts to slot onto a flexible strap.

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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