Mount, for bell shrine

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This bronze mount for a bell shrine was found at Inchaffray Abbey in Perthshire. The site was once an island, on which an abbey was founded in 1200. This shrine is earlier, dating from between 1000 and 1200.

The mount, now in two pieces, is in an openwork design ending in two animal heads. The decoration, with its swirling animal and foliate tendrils, is in an Irish version of a Scandinavian art style. The mount is inlaid with silver and niello.

Bells were used by clergy, especially those from the Irish Christian tradition. Early examples are in iron or bronze-clad iron, but by the 9th century they were made in bronze. They were carried by missionaries, and many were later venerated as relics.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-009-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.KA 32 B
• Date: Between 1000 and 1200
  
• Material: Bronze; with Celtic interlace
  Bronze; with Celtic interlace
  Bell shrine mount / portion
  Bell shrine mount / portion
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Bell shrine mount / portion
  Bell shrine mount / portion
  
• Subject: Ecclesiastical bells (NMAS Classification)
  Ecclesiastical bells (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Inchaffray
  Scotland, Perthshire, Inchaffray
  
• Event:
• Description: Part of a bell shrine mount of bronze with Celtic interlace, from Inchaffray
  Part of a bell shrine mount of bronze with Celtic interlace, from Inchaffray
  
• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, p 103. 
• Translations:
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