A 1,000-year-old Pictish ring has been discovered at Burghead Fort in Moray, Scotland, during an archaeological dig led by the University of Aberdeen.
The ring, which features a red centre believed to be garnet or red glass, was uncovered by John Ralph, a retired engineer, on the final day of the excavation. This find offers valuable insight into the Picts, a people whose history is largely understood through archaeological discoveries.
John Ralph, an amateur volunteer with previous archaeological experience, made the discovery while excavating at Burghead Fort, a site thought to have been a key location for the Picts. The fort, built on a promontory overlooking the sea, has been the focus of ongoing digs due to its historical significance. Much of the site had been disrupted by 19th-century construction, but recent excavations have brought to light numerous artefacts.
The ring, described as kite-shaped with a red gemstone or glass centre, was found in what appears to have been a domestic setting. This discovery is rare, as most Pictish rings have been found in hoards deliberately buried for safekeeping. Professor Gordon Noble, an archaeology expert from the University of Aberdeen, expressed surprise at finding the ring in such a context, stating: “We certainly weren’t expecting to find something like this lying around the floor of what was once a house.”
John Ralph, reflecting on his find, said: “I had many moments where I thought I’d found something important, only to be told it was just another pebble. But when I uncovered the ring, it felt like a striker scoring a goal. It’s a real thrill to dig up an artifact and think you’re the first person to see it in over 1,000 years.”
The Picts, an early people living in what is now Scotland, are known for their resistance to Roman rule and their extensive use of body art, leading to their name, which means “painted people” in Latin. Their civilisation flourished between the 4th and 9th centuries but left few written records. Artefacts such as this ring are crucial in shedding light on their culture and craftsmanship.
Professor Noble added that the ring, along with other evidence of metalworking found at the site, supports the idea that Burghead was an important centre during the Pictish period. “This further indicator of the high-status production of metalwork adds to the growing evidence that Burghead was a really significant seat of power in the Pictish period,” Noble noted.
The ring is currently undergoing analysis at the National Museum of Scotland, where researchers are examining its origins. The investigation will focus on whether the ring was crafted on-site and who may have owned such an item. This analysis will contribute to understanding the social and political structure of the Picts, as well as their metalworking techniques. “We will now look at the ring, evidence of buildings and other artefacts to consider whether the ring was crafted on the site and who such an important piece of jewellery might have been made for,” said Professor Noble.
Ralph also reflected on the personal significance of the discovery, as his ancestors contributed to the destruction of the ancient fort in the 19th century to support the local fishing industry. “It feels like I’ve given something back,” Ralph said. “I like to think of archaeology as a dot-to-dot picture, and I’m delighted to have made my own little mark.”
Archaeological finds like this one underscore the importance of understanding historical craftsmanship and materials, which may inform contemporary jewellery design. Studying ancient pieces like this Pictish ring highlights the lasting value of certain gemstones and metals, providing context that could influence the design of both reproductions and new collections.
The ongoing excavation at Burghead may continue to uncover more about ancient metalworking practices, which may interest jewellers working on historic reproductions or integrating elements of ancient design into modern collections.
