Fragments of a silver-gilt vessel

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These fragments of a silver gilt vessel were found at Traprain Law in East Lothian. They are part of a hoard containing over 150 silver objects, mainly tableware, buried between 410 and 425 AD.

The ornate vessel, probably a flask, was decorated with bands of geometric ornament, detailed with black niello. Round panels with busts and figural scenes were placed at intervals around the body. Parts of the vessel were gilded.

All the silver in the large Traprain Law hoard was treated as scrap, with virtually all of it cut up and bent over. It probably represents payment to ensure the loyalty of a friendly chief, but other theories include payment for warriors or loot.

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• Online ID: 000-100-039-664-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GVA 4
• Date: Deposited between 410 and 425 AD
  
• Material: Silver; large; winged figure carrying basket of fruit in panels
  Flask / fragment
  
• Dimensions: Weights 9.2 oz; 6.95 oz; 2.8 oz
  
• What: Flask / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
  
• Event:
• Description: Five fragments of a large silver flask with a winged figure carrying a basket of fruit in panels, from Traprain Law
  
• References:
  • Curle, Alexander O. The treasure of Traprain. A Scottish hoard of Roman silver plate. Glasgow: Maclehose, Jackson and Co., 1923. 
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