Handpin of silver and enamel

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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.

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-143-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: 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
  Pin, hand
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
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