Belt buckle

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This gilt bronze belt buckle with enamel settings was found in a man's grave at Ballinaby on Islay in the Inner Hebrides. He was buried in a cist with a range of weapons and a ringed pin, sometime between 850 and 950.

The loop of the buckle is gilt. Two raised rectangular settings at the ends of the loops and two near the centre are filled with enamel. The tongue has been tinned. Although in a Viking grave, the buckle was probably made in an Irish Sea workshop.

Leather does not survive unless conditions are favourable, but metal and bone fittings such as belt buckles and strap ends are often found. Belts were worn by Viking men. Buckles occur in men's graves, and only occasionally in those of women.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-643-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IL 383
• Date: 850 - 950 AD
  Between 850 and 950
  
• Material: Bronze
  Buckle, belt
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Buckle, belt
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Argyll, Islay, Ballinaby
  
• Event:
• Description: Viking bronze belt buckle with enamel settings, from Ballinaby,
  
• References:
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