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This sandstone disc was found at Jarlshof on Shetland during early excavations by the landowner. It possibly dates from around 750 to 850.

One side of the disc has been decorated with a series of diverging spirals. The decoration is comparable to designs found on some metalwork and sculpture of the period.

People have lived at Jarlshof from the Bronze Age onwards. The name of the site, however, is a creation of Sir Walter Scott. The inhabitants made use of the abundant local supplies of stone for building, everyday objects and drawings.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-140-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GA 425
• Date: Possibly between 750 and 850
  
• Material: Circular; incised with Celtic divergent spiral pattern
  Disc / cast
  
• Dimensions: 2.75" D, 0.56" thick
  
• What: Disc / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof (Broch)
  
• Event:
• Description: Cast of a disc of sandstone, from Jarlshof, Shetland, the original of which possibly dates from 750 - 850
  
• References:
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