Pommel

Description

Gold sword pommel decorated with gold filigree and granulated decoration and cloisonne garnet insets, found by metal detecting near Blair Drummond, Stirling

Museum reference

X.2022.85

Collection

Medieval (Early Historic, Viking, Norse, High Medieval)

Object name

Pommel

Date

Early Medieval

Physical description

Five garnet insets survive in situ. Organic fibres are preserved within the pommel (which is otherwise hollow, having lost its core). The pommel's decoration is complex, being formed from gold wire, beaded wire, granulation and sheet gold and incorporating cloisonne garnet insets, of which five survive. On one panel is a stylised Cross motif, comprising a central square setting and four cross arms, each formed from a triangular setting with a semi-circular setting for a terminal. The panel on the other side contains a 'tree of life' design, comprising a vine-like plant with five leaves that springs from a pot. Two fantastical creatures with snouts, wings and clawed feet climb up the sides of the pommel and confront a further cross on top, formed from a now very worn, empty setting. At the base of the pommel are two bird heads, with small round insets for eyes. Unusually, four holes for attachment pass horizontally through the broad, decorated faces of the pommel (rather than vertically as is the norm for Anglo-Saxon pommels).

Collection place(s)

Nyadd, Blair Drummond, Perthshire, Scotland, Northern Europe

Credit

Ross Watson wishes to be acknowledged as the finder of this material