National Museums Scotland has acquired an exceptionally rare gold sword pommel, created around 700 AD. It is one of the first of its kind to be found in Scotland and has been allocated to the Museums by the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer following the recommendation of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel.
Discovered in the central Scottish county of Stirlingshire, the pommel is a decorative fitting that would have capped the top of a sword hilt. Crafted in solid gold, the object is encrusted with garnets and intricate goldwork. This rich and technically accomplished decoration is highly symbolic, featuring religious motifs and fantastical creatures.
“Goldwork from this period is virtually unknown from anywhere in the UK and we are delighted to secure the Stirling Pommel for Scotland’s national collections,” explains Dr Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at National Museums Scotland. “It is a hugely significant archaeological find, revealing more about this fascinating period in the history of northern Britain and representing the spectacular skill and craftsmanship of the period.”
The discovery was made near the village of Blair Drummond, adding significantly to its archaeological value, affirming important cultural, political and artistic interactions within northern Britain. Its decoration masterfully combines elements from both early medieval English and Scottish art styles. This vibrant ‘Insular art’ style, made famous by illuminated manuscripts such as the Lindisfarne Gospels, is Britain’s unique contribution to medieval European art and the Stirling pommel is an outstanding expression of this creative fusion in gold.
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The pommel was discovered by a metal detectorist and declared to the Treasure Trove unit, in accordance with Scots Law. It was subsequently allocated to National Museums Scotland by the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP).
John Logue, King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer, adds, “This discovery highlights the positive work done by the Treasure Trove Unit to decide upon the preservation of rare items for the nation.”
The announcement follows the success of Scottish Archaeology month 2022 in September. This initiative is focused on sharing and engaging with stories related to history, heritage and archaeology in Scotland.
National Museums Scotland has acquired an exceptionally rare gold sword pommel, created around 700 AD. It is one of the first of its kind to be found in Scotland and has been allocated to the Museums by the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer following the recommendation of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel.
Discovered in the central Scottish county of Stirlingshire, the pommel is a decorative fitting that would have capped the top of a sword hilt. Crafted in solid gold, the object is encrusted with garnets and intricate goldwork. This rich and technically accomplished decoration is highly symbolic, featuring religious motifs and fantastical creatures.
“Goldwork from this period is virtually unknown from anywhere in the UK and we are delighted to secure the Stirling Pommel for Scotland’s national collections,” explains Dr Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at National Museums Scotland. “It is a hugely significant archaeological find, revealing more about this fascinating period in the history of northern Britain and representing the spectacular skill and craftsmanship of the period.”
The discovery was made near the village of Blair Drummond, adding significantly to its archaeological value, affirming important cultural, political and artistic interactions within northern Britain. Its decoration masterfully combines elements from both early medieval English and Scottish art styles. This vibrant ‘Insular art’ style, made famous by illuminated manuscripts such as the Lindisfarne Gospels, is Britain’s unique contribution to medieval European art and the Stirling pommel is an outstanding expression of this creative fusion in gold.
The pommel was discovered by a metal detectorist and declared to the Treasure Trove unit, in accordance with Scots Law. It was subsequently allocated to National Museums Scotland by the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP).
John Logue, King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer, adds, “This discovery highlights the positive work done by the Treasure Trove Unit to decide upon the preservation of rare items for the nation.”
The announcement follows the success of Scottish Archaeology month 2022 in September. This initiative is focused on sharing and engaging with stories related to history, heritage and archaeology in Scotland.
See also: After more than a thousand years, this medieval cross gleams again
Top Image: Photo © National Museums Scotland
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