Bullion Man
Type:
Sculptures
Date:
mid-ninth century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Scotland
Medium:
Stone
Dimensions:
H 1.9 m, D 14 cm
Description:
The Pictish stone known as the Bullion Man shows a bald, bearded man riding uphill on a horse while imbibing from a drinking horn that terminates in a bird's head. Such large, ornamented horns were used at feasts (preserved examples hold up to 2 liters of beer or mead); in addition to their practical functions, they may have played a role as diplomatic gifts. The terminal bird's head normally faces away from the drinker, so this image is unique among extant horns.
Large and small standing stones with relief carvings were produced by the Picts in Scotland between the seventh and tenth centuries; this one probably dates to the mid-ninth century. Many have images that combine polytheistic and Christian iconography. A few other stones show male riders and drinking horns, but the Bullion Man—named for its findspot—is unusual for its large size and the amount of empty space (most such stones are covered with dense carving). The unknown patron may have been poking fun at old-time warriors, famous for their feasting and drinking. Alternatively, the old man on his tired mount may be an allegory for the waning year. If he was meant to represent a specific individual, his identity is now unknown.
Large and small standing stones with relief carvings were produced by the Picts in Scotland between the seventh and tenth centuries; this one probably dates to the mid-ninth century. Many have images that combine polytheistic and Christian iconography. A few other stones show male riders and drinking horns, but the Bullion Man—named for its findspot—is unusual for its large size and the amount of empty space (most such stones are covered with dense carving). The unknown patron may have been poking fun at old-time warriors, famous for their feasting and drinking. Alternatively, the old man on his tired mount may be an allegory for the waning year. If he was meant to represent a specific individual, his identity is now unknown.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
5
Repository and Online Resources:
• The stone is in the National Museum of Scotland, in Edinburgh.
Image Credits:
Linda Safran
