Record

Penannular brooch of silver gilt

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found on St Ninian's Isle, Dunrossness, Shetland

Postcard of Penannular brooch of silver gilt.
000-100-036-440-C
© National Museums Scotland

Penannular brooch of silver gilt

This silver gilt penannular brooch was found in a hoard containing silver objects and part of a porpoise's jaw, buried on St Ninian's Isle at Dunrossness in Shetland sometime between 750 and 825. The hoard probably belonged to a Pictish chief.

The terminals have three projecting ears and, where the hoop joins the terminal, an elongated semicircular field bordered by a curved upstanding frame. The brooch has settings for four circular studs, none of which survive.

A variety of Pictish penannular brooches have been found. They have a characteristic panel on the hoop and frequently they have lobed terminals. The pins, when they survive, are quite distinctive. Silver and bronze examples are known.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-036-440-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 291
Date: 8th century
Buried between 750 and 825
Material: Silver gilt; terminals with birds' heads in four lobes, three bordered by scrolls; panel on hoop; panel with central inset on head of pin
Dimensions: 2.63" D
What: Brooch, penannular
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Shetland, St Ninian's Isle
Event:
Description: Penannular brooch of silver-gilt with birds' heads and scrolls, 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 
Translations:
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