Finger ring of lignite

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This finger ring was found at Jarlshof in Shetland. It is made of lignite, a substance which resembles jet, available on the Scottish mainland. The finger ring was imported from the Scottish mainland sometime between 800 and 950.

The small ring has a square-sectioned band. It may be unfinished.

The Vikings colonised the Northern and Western Isles from around 800. They linked Scotland into a vast trading network. Viking traders were probably responsible for objects made on the Scottish mainland, such as this one, reaching the Northern Isles.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-596-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 786
• Date: 800 - 950 AD
  Between 800 and 950
  
• Material: Lignite; square section
  Ring
  
• Dimensions: 1.2" D, 0.3" thick
  
• What: Ring
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Ring of lignite from Jarlshof, Shetland, 800 - 950 AD
  
• References:
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