Harness mount of bronze

Add to album

This gilt bronze harness mount was found at Jarlshof in Shetland. The style of ornamentation suggests an Irish or Scottish origin for the mount, which was carried to Jarlshof either as loot or trade between 700 and 900.

Gilt bronze harness mount found at Jarlshof, interpreted as loot from Scotland or Ireland

Harness equipment could be utilitarian or highly ornate. A prestigious item like this one displayed the owner's wealth and status.

Record details

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

• Online ID: 000-100-042-736-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 860
• Date: Between 700 and 900
  
• Material: Bronze, partly gilt; bar shape, palmette projection above, three projections at back; bar, four sunk panels with interlace, central round panel with lentoid shapes; palmette projection, cast interlace, beaded border
  Mount, harness
  
• Dimensions: 1.85" H x 2.80" L
  
• What: Mount, harness
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description:
• References:
  • Ritchie, Anna. Viking Scotland London: B.T. Batsford Ltd/Historic Scotland, 1993, p. 69.
• Translations:
• Related Records: