Rare ring of ‘painted people’ discovered in Scotland

A major archaeological find has emerged from Scotland: a 1,000-year-old ring discovered at a site once home to the Picts. John Ralph, a retired engineer with a background at the University of Aberdeen, made the discovery on the final day of a dig at the historic Burghead Fort. The fort, situated on a headland, was largely overshadowed by 19th-century developments in the town of Burghead.

Discovering a rare artifact

The ring, recognizable by its red center, is shaped like a kite and made of metal. It is an unusual find, as few Pictish rings have been discovered and those that are found are usually from deliberately buried treasure. Dr Gordon Noble, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Aberdeen, noticed the rarity of such finds. He expressed his surprise at discovering the ring in a domestic context, saying, “We certainly didn’t expect to find something like this on the floor of what used to be a house.”

Historical context

According to a Live Science report, the Picts, known for their tattoos and resistance to Roman rule, left behind only limited written records. report. Artefacts such as this ring are crucial to understanding their culture. Dr Noble explained that the ring, along with other metalwork evidence from the site, indicates that Burghead was a prominent site during the Pictish era.

Future analysis

The ring is now being examined by the National Museum of Scotland. Dr Noble’s team will investigate whether the ring was made locally and who the intended recipient might have been. This analysis is intended to shed light on the craftsmanship of the Picts and the significance of the ring within their society.