Decorated Pictish disc of lead

Add to album

This Pictish decorated lead disc was found at the Brough of Birsay in Orkney. The design has been simply executed and the disc may be unfinished. It may have been intended as a model for moulding or simply a trial piece.

One side of the disc has an incised spiral design. The reverse is lightly marked with two rectangular grooves and a number of linear scratches. Scratches and surface irregularities on both sides may in part be the result of later abrasions.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-040-652-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HB 509
• Date: Between 700 and 900
  
• Material: Lead; incised design of spirals
  Motif piece
  
• Dimensions: 50 mm D x 5 mm thick
  
• What: Motif piece
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Brough of Birsay
  
• Event:
• Description: Lead motif piece from Birsay, Orkney
  
• References:
  • Youngs, Susan (ed). 'The Work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museums Publications Ltd, 1989, p 192. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: