Record

Bone pins

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From Jarlshof, Shetland

Postcard of Bone pins.
000-100-042-242-C
© National Museums Scotland

Bone pins

These bone pins were found at Jarlshof in Shetland. They were used as dress pins or hairpins, sometime between 850 and 1100. These pins are particularly fine examples, and the product of accomplished craftsmen.

The heads of the pins were carved into elaborate three-dimensional animal heads.

Bone pins are common finds from Viking settlements, reflecting their common use as dress pins to fasten clothing together or as hairpins. Animal-headed pins have been found widely in Scandinavia, and to a lesser extent in the British Isles.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-042-242-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 4
Date: Between 850 and 1100
Material: Bone; animal head
Bone; animal head
Bone; animal head
Bone; two animal heads
Dimensions:
What: Pin, dress / hairpin
Pin, dress / hairpin
Pin, dress / hairpin
Pin, dress / hairpin
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
Event:
Description: Animal-headed dress pin or hairpin of bone, from Jarlshof, Shetland
Animal-headed dress pin or hairpin of bone, from Jarlshof, Shetland
Dress pin or hairpin of bone with two animal heads, from Jarlshof, Shetland
Animal-headed dress pin or hairpin of bone, from Jarlshof, Shetland
References:
  • Hamilton, J.R.C. Excavations at Jarlshof, Shetland. Edinburgh: Ministry of Works, Archaeological Reports 1, 1956, p 124. 
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