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Mounts

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found on St Ninian's Isle, Dunrossness, Shetland

Mounts
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These mounts, one of silver and two of gilt silver were found in a hoard of Pictish metalwork buried on St Ninian's Isle at Dunrossness in Shetland between 750 and 825. They probably belonged to a Pictish chief.

The mounts are completely ornamented in spirals and interlaced animals. All had detachable perforated base plates. They appear designed to slot onto a flexible strap threaded through the base. However, their function remains unclear.

The metalwork found in the St Ninian's Isle treasure shows the skill and accomplishment of Pictish craftsmen. Some of the decorative motifs, such as those on the mounts, can be paralleled on contemporary Pictish stones.

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