Bracelets

These five silver bracelets are part of a hoard of eight such bracelets buried in a cist at Kirk o' Banks at Rattar in Caithness. They are examples of a distinctive bracelet type common in Viking Age Scotland. Unusually, these were found in a burial.

The simple bracelets, of a type called 'ring-money', are plain. All have nicks, small cuts made to test silver purity when the silver exchanged hands.

'Ring-money' highlights the overlap between ornament and bullion. They could be worn to display wealth, but when needed could be used as payment, cut up if necessary, and weighed on a balance. Some were manufactured to an approximate weight standard.

Record details

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