St Ninian's Isle treasure

A Pictish treasure hoard discovered in 1958 on St Ninian's Isle, Shetland, buried beneath a stone slab marked with a cross, on what is believed to be the site of an early chapel. The hoard consists of various items of silver metalwork, some pieces gilded, including sword fittings, a hanging bowl, feasting bowls, an elaborate sliver spoon (possibly a communion spoon), brooches and thimbles. The hoard is made up of both secular and religious artefacts, and may be represent the treasures of a local religious community or aristocratic family. Whilst most of the items are considered to originate from the eastern and northern areas of Scotland, a number of objects show the influence of Anglo-Saxon metalworking techniques. The treasure is usually dated to c. 800AD. For more information visit http://www.nms.ac.uk/our_collections/collection_highlights/st_ninians_isle_treasure.aspx © The Trustees of the National Museums of Scotland.