NMS Archaeology Object 14494: X.KA 32 B - Bell shrine / mount / portion


Description

Summary


One of two parts of a bell shrine mount, bronze inlaid with silver and neillo, with Celtic interlace, the ends were formed as three-dimensional animals, with lentoid eyes and swirling tendrils, from Inchaffray Abbey, Perthshire, 1000 - 1200 AD


Accession Number


X.KA 32 B


Other references

HAAQ Classification NumberH.KA 32 B

Original description

[One piece of a] Bell shrine mount of bronze from Inchaffrey with Celtic interlace, broken in two pieces, (handle?). SCRAN Caption Record 1997-04-25: MOUNT FOR BELL SHRINE FROM INCHAFFRAY, PERTHSHIRE Ref: H.KA 32 A-B INTRODUCTION - 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. DESCRIPTION - 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. BACKGROUND - 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. DETAILS - Date: Between 1000 and 1200 Material: Bronze, silver, niello Dimensions: Length: around 32 cm REFERENCES - Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, p 103.

Associated person/people (e.g. excavator/former collection)

None

Discovery / field collection

Date of discovery

Not recorded

Method (e.g. excavation)

Not recorded

Place (i.e. location of discovery)

Inchaffray Abbey, Inchaffray, Perthshire, Scotland, Northern Europe

Grid reference

Not recorded

Acquisition

Acquisition date

Not recorded

Acquisition source (i.e. name of donor)

Queen's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer

Acquisition source role (e.g. donor)

Donor

Image

Image of One of two parts of a bell shrine mount, bronze inlaid with silver and neillo, with Celtic interlace, the ends were formed as three-dimensional animals, with lentoid eyes and swirling tendrils, from Inchaffray Abbey, Perthshire, 1000 - 1200 AD © National Museums Scotland
Image of One of two parts of a bell shrine mount, bronze inlaid with silver and neillo, with Celtic interlace, the ends were formed as three-dimensional animals, with lentoid eyes and swirling tendrils, from Inchaffray Abbey, Perthshire, 1000 - 1200 AD © National Museums Scotland

This area is visible only to logged in users.

Log in or register here