Piece of a silver flask

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This piece of a silver flask was found at Traprain Law in East Lothian. It was part of a hoard containing over 150 silver objects, mainly tableware, buried between 410 and 425 AD. All but a few of the objects were fragmentary.

The piece is ornamented with a classical scene executed in repoussé technique. The male figure is interpreted as the god Pan, his pipes at this feet, pursuing a figure. To his right is a figure interpreted as a hermaphrodite.

Themes from classical Greek and Latin mythology and literature were often portrayed on late Roman metalwork.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-039-667-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GVA 7
• Date: Deposited between 410 and 425 AD
  
• Material: Silver; half body; with figure of Pan
  Flask / portion
  
• Dimensions: Weight 6.10 oz
  
• What: Flask / portion
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
  
• Event:
• Description: Half of the body of a silver flask decorated with a figure of Pan, from Traprain Law
  
• References:
  • Curle, Alexander O. The treasure of Traprain. A Scottish hoard of Roman silver plate. Glasgow: Maclehose, Jackson and Co., 1923, pp. 25-6. 
• Translations:
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