Record

Handpin of silver and enamel

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found at Gaulcross, Banffshire

Postcard of Handpin of silver and enamel.
000-190-001-143-C
© National Museums Scotland

Handpin of silver and enamel

This silver handpin with enamel decoration was found in a hoard of Pictish jewellery buried at Gaulcross in Banffshire. It was buried between 500 and 700.

The pinhead has a semicircular palm, decorated with three hair-spring spirals. Three fingers project forward above the palm of the pinhead. An engraved herringbone decoration and line of beading runs around the edge of the pinhead.

Handpins were used as dress fasteners, although some examples, as this pin, were clearly high class and expensive jewellery. Handpins of this type are found in both Scotland and Ireland.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-001-143-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  Q.L.1962.128
Date: Between 500 and 700
Material: Silver, red enamel
Dimensions:
What: Pin, hand
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Banffshire, Gaulcross
Event:
Description: Silver hand pin with head enamelled red with spiral design, from Gaulcross, Banffshire
References:
  • Youngs, Susan (ed). 'The Work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museums Publications Ltd, 1989, p 26. 
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