Buckle

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This iron buckle was found in a mound at Lyking in Orkney with an iron spearhead and bone comb. They are from a Scandinavian burial, but were found with burnt bones, suggesting a cremation rather than the more normal inhumation burial.

The buckle is in good condition. It resembles modern examples.

Leather does not survive unless conditions are favourable, but metal fittings like belt buckles and strap ends are often found. Belts were worn by Viking men. Simple and decorated buckles in metal and bone occur in graves, though iron buckles are not common.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-749-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IL 212
• Date: Between 900 and 1000
  
• Material: Iron
  
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• Where: Scotland, Orkney
  
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• Description: Buckle
  
• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 59, 144, 150. 
  • Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, p 80. 
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