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Sword (fragments)

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from Eriskay, Outer Hebrides

Postcard of Sword (fragments).
000-190-004-753-C
© National Museums Scotland

Sword (fragments)

These fragments of an iron and bronze sword were found on Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides, probably with a spear and whetstone. They are probably grave goods from a tenth century Scandinavian burial. The sword was an expensive object, though sadly decayed now.

The guard and hilt of the sword were made in bronze, and silver wires were twisted through the fingers of the pommel. Remains of a wooden grip also survive. The blade was made in the pattern welding technique.

Viking men were often buried with their weapons, together with a range of objects to accompany them after death. A full weapon 'kit' consisted of sword, spear, axe, shield, armour and helmet, but most men were buried with only some of these.


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Online ID: 000-190-004-753-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IL 328
Date: Between 900 and 1000
Material: Bronze
Dimensions:
What: Sword / fragment
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, Eriskay
Event:
Description: Fragments of a bronze mounted Viking sword, from Eriskay, Inverness-shire
References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, p 82. 
  • Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, p 73. 
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