Detail of silver and enamelled handpin

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This silver handpin with enamel decoration is part of a hoard of Pictish jewellery found at Gaulcross in Banffshire. It was buried between 500 and 700. This picture shows a detail of the head.

The palm's three hair-spring spirals are on a background of red enamel. On the tip of the middle finger there is an eight-pointed star.

The extensive use of silver in Pictish metalwork in the 6th and 7th century reflects the reuse of Roman silver, which had been imported to Scotland in large quantities.

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-144-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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