Record

Handpin of silver and enamel

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found at Norrie's Law, near Largo, Fife

Postcard of Handpin of silver and enamel.
000-190-001-167-C
© National Museums Scotland

Handpin of silver and enamel

This silver handpin with red enamel ornament is one of two similar ones found at Norrie's Law near Largo in Fife in a large hoard of silver jewellery and hacksilver. The hoard was buried between 600 and 700.

Red enamel provides the background to fine spiral decoration on the front of the pinhead's palm and to a cross on the centre finger. The edge has an engraved herringbone decoration. On the reverse is a Pictish 'Z-rod' symbol.

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. The use of a Pictish symbol suggests a Scottish origin for this one.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-001-167-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 30
Date: Between 600 and 700
Material: Silver; with enamelled head
Dimensions: 6.25" L
What: Pin
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Fife, Largo, Norrie's Law
Event:
Description: Silver pin with enamelled head, from Norrie's Law
References:
  • Youngs, Susan (ed). 'The Work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museums Publications Ltd, 1989, p 27. 
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