found at Whitecleugh, Lanarkshire

Pictish chain of silver

This massive silver chain was found at Whitecleugh in Lanarkshire. It is one of ten surviving heavy silver chains, of a type found only in Scotland and generally attributed to the Picts. They were symbols of high status, worn between 400 and 800 AD.

The chain consists of 44 circular rings linked together in pairs with a penannular terminal ring. The ring is decorated with symbols similar to those found on Pictish stones, here inlaid with red enamel. The chain weighs 1.73 kilograms.

Although commonly attributed to the Picts, only three chains have been found in the Pictish kingdom proper. This chain is one of two decorated with Pictish symbols. These chains were almost certainly badges of high rank.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-190-001-151-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.FC 150
Date:	6th or 7th century Between 400 and 800
Material:	Silver with red enamel; of double rings; penannular ring engraved with two of the symbols of the sculptured stones
Dimensions:	62.5 oz weight
What:	Chain
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Lanarkshire, Crawfordjohn, Whitecleugh
Event:
Description:	Pictish chain of 22 double links with a penannular terminal ring, the ring engraved with designs inlaid with red enamel, found at Whitecleugh, Lanarkshire
References:	Calder, Jenni (ed.). The Wealth of a Nation. Edinburgh & Glasgow: NMS & Drew, 1989
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