Bracelets

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These two silver bracelets are examples of two types popular with Scandinavian settlers. The one on the left, of a type called 'ring-money', was popular in Scotland. The one on the right, of a type called a Hiberno-Viking armring, was popular in Ireland.

Both bracelets were valued as bullion. The plain 'ring-money' highlights the overlap between ornament and bullion. It could be worn to display wealth, but when needed could be used as payment. This one is the only example found from a Scottish settlement site.

Hiberno-Viking armrings were made by hammering out silver ingots. Some are plain, while others, like this one, have stamped decoration. Like 'ring-money', most are generally found in hoards. However, this one may be from a grave.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-091-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HSA 995 A
• Date: Bracelet on left: 10th or 11th century; bracelet on right: 850-900
  
• Material: Silver; flat; ribbed on outer side
  Silver; penannular; diamond shaped section
  Ring, arm
  Ring, arm / fragment
  
• Dimensions: 2.60" D
  
• What: Ring, arm
  Ring, arm / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Crossmichael, Blackerne
  Scotland, Shetland, Sumburgh, Jarlshof
  
• Event:
• Description: Norse silver arm ring fragment, ribbed on outer side, from Blackerne, Kirkcudbrightshire
  Silver penannular arm ring, from Jarlshof
  
• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James. The Viking-age gold and silver of Scotland (AD 850-1100), 1995, pp 26-7, 57-9, 153, 161 
• Translations:
• Related Records: