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Signet ring of silver and cornelian

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From Culbin Sands, Moray

Signet ring of silver and cornelian
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This silver signet ring inset with a cornelian intaglio was found at Culbin Sands in Moray. Signet rings were used to authenticate Roman documents. When found beyond the Roman frontier, as here, they were valued as an object indicating status.

The inset intaglio depicts Silvanus, the Roman god of the countryside.

Brought to Scotland by the Romans, writing was a vital part of the bureaucracy generated by the army. Letters and parcels were sealed with beeswax or clay, sometimes pressed with a signet ring. Writing was not, however, adopted by the native population.

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