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Silver bowl

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found on St Ninian's Isle, Dunrossness, Shetland

Postcard of Silver bowl.
000-190-001-156-C
© National Museums Scotland

Silver bowl

This is one of eight silver bowls found in a hoard containing 28 silver objects and part of a porpoise's jaw, buried in a ruined chapel on St Ninian's Isle at Dunrossness in Shetland between 750 and 825. The objects probably belonged to a Pictish chief.

The bowl is much-corroded for about two-thirds of its diameter. The body has three zones of punched dot ornamentation: an interlace pattern at the top, a main zone of broad ribbons, and a zigzag line at the bottom.

The metalwork found in the St Ninian's Isle treasure shows the skill and accomplishment of Pictish craftsmen. The use of dotted backgrounds and some of the animal decoration on other objects are distinctive Pictish artistic traits.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-001-156-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 271
Date: 8th century
Buried between 750 and 825
Material: Silver; with shallow basal depression; half badly corroded; decorated by dotted lines in 3 zones; single line interlace above; double line interlace in centre; row of triangles below; a cross divides base into 4 panels, each with double line knot
Dimensions: 5.70" D x 1.60" deep
What: Bowl
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Shetland, St Ninian's Isle
Event:
Description: Bowl of silver decorated with dotted lines, from St Ninian's Isle, Pictish, 8th century
References:
  • Small, A., Thomas, C., & Wilson, D. M. St. Ninian's Isle and its Treasure. London: Oxford University Press,1973 
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