Equal-Armed Brooch from the boat burial at Scar, Sanday

Equal-armed brooch from the Scar Viking boat burial.   The Scar brooch is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian metalwork to be found in a grave in Scotland. The brooch was one of the personal possessions of the woman buried at Scar. It would have been used to fasten a cloak or shawl.

The brooch is made from copper alloy and is mercury-gilded, giving it the appearance of gold. It is a highly decorated brooch, featuring characteristically early Viking art styles.  The decorative motifs used on the Scar brooch show two different Viking art styles: Oseberg style, and Borre style.  A feature of the Oseberg style is the ‘gripping beast’ motif.  A feature of the Borre style is the ‘ring-chain’ motif.  Both are seen on this brooch.