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Penannular brooch of silver gilt

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found on St Ninian's Isle, Dunrossness, Shetland

Penannular brooch of silver gilt
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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 brooch has terminals in the shape of beasts. The beasts, hoop panel and pin are decorated with interlace in a chip-carved style. Originally the brooch had three studs, two for the beasts' eyes and one in the hoop panel. All are missing.

Pictish metalwork of the 8th and 9th centuries is characterised by distinctive forms and ornaments, and a lavish use of silver. Animals are popular motifs, and portrayed in a variety of ways. Deeply carved interlace patterns often fill panels.

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