From Traprain Law, East Lothian

Silver handles

These two silver handles were 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. Most of the objects were fragmentary.

One handle is in the shape of leopard, the other either a panther or lioness. They may have fitted onto a bowl or flagon, and need not have been on the same vessel. Panthers were sacred to Bacchus, the god of wine.

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.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-039-826-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.GVA 123 B
Date:	Deposited between 410 and 425 AD
Material:	Silver; in shape of a leopard Silver; in shape of a panther or lioness
Dimensions:	Weight 2.55 oz Weight 2.90 oz
What:	Handle Handle
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
Event:
Description:	Silver handle in the shape of a leopard, from Traprain Law Silver handle in the shape of a panther or lioness, 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. 79-80.
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