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Serf's collar

Serf's collar

Vivien Jones writes about this slave's brass collar, which you can see in the Scotland Transformed gallery on Level 3.

Serf's collar

Contemplating escape,
a rasp on hasp, scores on the skin,
jagged saw teeth rocking
at the neck, might be more bearable
to a Highlander than being branded
a perpetuall servent.

What manner of man was 'Areskin'
the owner of mines and men,
who saw a collar not just inscribed,
but decorated, for Alexander Steuart,
named his serf, his tame beast,
his debtor.

About the author

Vivien Jones

Vivien Jones lives on the north Solway shore in Scotland. Her short stories and poetry have been widely published – her first themed collection of short stories, Perfect 10, was published in September 2009. Her first poetry collection – About Time,Too – was published in August 2010.

In August 2010 she won the Poetry London Prize, her work chosen by Michael Longley. She has just completed a creative writing community project in the village of Powfoot, which resulted in the first 100 copies being sold in the first week. She is a regular workshop leader, especially with first time mature writers and just loves it when she hears 'I've always wanted to write...'

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What are these links?

Serf's collar

On display

  • Scotland Transformed

Creation story

  • Serf's collar

About the author

  • Vivien Jones' website

 

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National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130