Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 6.djvu/407

Rh and seemingly much worn. It is of uniform width, about half an inch; the length at present upwards of a yard; one end, which appears perfect, tapering gradually to a point. Intention wholly unknown.

The collection now described consists of the small portion of this remarkable discovery which came into the possession of the late General Durham, being those pieces which were left or neglected by the finder; they were picked up by the brother-in-law of the tenant and another person, both now deceased, who brought them to the General. Two remarkable relics, a bodkin and one of the scale-like plates, were rescued from the crucible, in consequence of subsequent inquiry, and were added to the collection at Largo House.

There are many points of highly interesting inquiry suggested by the examination of these curious relics. As regards the period to which they may be assigned, the evidence supplied by illuminated MSS. would lead to the conclusion that they belong to the seventh or eighth century. It is, therefore, satisfactory to establish a date upon no ill grounded evidence; many questions, however, are presented, of great moment in reference to an obscure period of the history of these islands, which must be left to future investigation. The strongly marked analogy of forms or types of ornament with those prevalent in Ireland;—the source whence that singular rudiment of decorative design was derived, by some archaeologists attributed, and with much probability, to an Oriental origin;—the purpose for which these objects were destined, assumed, perhaps on no sufficient evidence, to have been connected with appliances of warfare;—above all, the historical importance of the inquiry as relating to vestiges of international relation, to the influence of hostile migration or primitive commerce,—these and other questions into which it is not practicable now to enter, will suggest themselves to the archaeologist, in connection with the subject before us, as matters fraught with most curious interest. The striking identity in details connecting these relics with some of the earliest Christian monuments in North Britain, will stamp them also with an unusual value.

It will scarcely be conceived that a deposit of such large intrinsic value would accompany the obsequies of any invading chieftain, who casually perished in some piratical