Rights Holder: North Lincolnshire Museum
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
GAMING PIECE
Unique ID: NLM-7AD374
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Lead alloy game piece, as kindly identified by the finder. Cast sub-rectangular concavo-convex object with a central ridged mould line; a small projection from this is perhaps a stub of casting sprue. Patinated overall. The shape now resembles a miniature bread loaf of modern type, perhaps as the result of crushing. One side is also indented, probably again as a result of adventitious damage. This object was found close to a castellated playing piece (NLM-7ABE36) considered to be for the game of Tafl, and the size and form of the two objects is so similar as to suggest they come from the same set. This plainer piece would be an 'pawn' piece to be deployed on either side of the board game of Hnafetafl, as either a defender or pursuer of the more distinctive king. Suggested date: Early Medieval, 900-1100.
Length: 17.6mm, Width: 12.5mm, Height: 11.2mm, Thickness (wall): 2.9mm, Weight: 9.19gms.
Class: Hnafetafl
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Ascribed Culture:
Anglo-Scandinavian style
Date from: Circa AD 850
Date to: Circa AD 1100
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 17.6 mm
Height: 11.2 mm
Width: 12.5 mm
Thickness: 2.9 mm
Weight: 9.1 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 8th December 2015
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: NLM31053
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: East Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Lincolnshire (County)
District: West Lindsey (District)
To be known as: Swinhope
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: Centred on field
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
Similar objects
Find number: NLM-D5081C
Object type: GAMING PIECE
Broadperiod: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Lead possible gaming piece. Cast conical object with a castellated or crowned top and a flat base; patinated. The form and size are compatibl…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: NLM-7ABE36
Object type: GAMING PIECE
Broadperiod: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Lead alloy game piece, as kindly identified by the finder. Cast concavo-convex conical counter with four knops on its top modelled in bold re…
Workflow: Published
Find number: NLM-948453
Object type: GAMING PIECE
Broadperiod: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Lead probable game piece. A small cast conical playing piece with a flat base; patinated. This could have been used for a board game such as …
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618