From Jarlshof, Shetland

Pieces of a clay mould for making swords

These pieces of a clay mould were found at Jarlshof in Shetland. They belong to an unused mould for a sword. A number of mould fragments for swords were found at Jarlshof, remains of a bronze-smith's workshop in use sometime between 950 and 750 BC.

The surviving pieces were for the blade section of the sword. The mould was unused. Impressions of cords, used to hold the mould together, are preserved in places on the casing.

Early metalsmiths developed sophisticated casting techniques as time went on. The two-piece moulds were closed, and molten metal poured into the channel at the top. Once the metal had hardened, the mould was broken and the pieces discarded.

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Online ID:	000-100-043-084-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 3943
Date:	Between 950 and 750 BC
Material:	Section for blade; unused and complete with casing; impressions of transverse cords in the casing
Dimensions:	9.70" L
What:	Mould / portion
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
Event:
Description:	Blade section of a sword mould, unused and complete with casing, now in three pieces, from Jarlshof
References:	Turner, Val. Ancient Shetland. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd, 1998, pp 59-60.
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