One-pronged implement of silver

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This silver one-pronged implement, probably an item of cutlery, is part of a hoard of Pictish metalwork found on St Ninian's Isle at Dunrossness in Shetland. The hoard was buried on the site of an early Christian church, sometime between 750 and 825.

The stem of this one-pronged implement is square in section. At one end is a long claw-like projection which springs from an expanded spur.

The objects in the St Ninian's Isle hoard probably belonged to a Pictish chief who buried his precious objects for safekeeping, perhaps at a time of danger such as a Viking raid.

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-425-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FC 277
• Date: 8th century
  Buried between 750 and 825
  
• Material: Silver; one-pronged, claw-like, widening into a rounded projection below curved tip; stem perforated for a suspension ring, part of which remains; engraved interlace design on both faces
  Implement
  
• Dimensions: 6.60" L
  
• What: Implement
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, St Ninian's Isle
  
• Event:
• Description: One-pronged implement of silver, decorated on both faces with an engraved design of interlace, from St Ninian's Isle, Pictish, 8th century
  
• References:
  • Small, A., Thomas, C., & Wilson, D. M. St. Ninian's Isle and its Treasure. London: Oxford University Press,1973 
• Translations:
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