17 



tion of the casque. On the left side it is plain, but on the right it was 

 carved (after casting) with two remarkable spiral volutes, precisely 

 similar to those markings on the stones of New Grange and Dowth, 

 and other monuments of that class in Ireland. This is one of the first 

 occasions in which our earlier stone decoration of the spire character has 

 been found on metal, and lends support to the belief that the Tuatha 

 de Dannan erectors of 

 the sepulchral caves of 

 Meath and some of the 

 great monuments of 

 Moytura were of Scan- 

 dinavian origin. Along 

 the neck and back is 

 engraved the represen- 

 tation of a mane, the 

 curls of which end in a 

 series of scrolls, which 

 is still a common form 

 of decoration in Swe- c 

 den and Denmark. No. 2372. 



Upon the dog- head 



weight, figured on p. 18, there are four scrolls of the same pattern. 



Among the " weapon tools" were several knife blades, varying in 

 length from 3 to 5 inches ; and also an iron sickle-like hook, No. 2379, 

 which may, when hafted, have been used as an instrument of war at a 

 time when every " cutting and maiming" implement was made available 

 for the fight. The true " tools" discovered in thisFind consist of hammer- 

 heads, shears, and tongs, especially one slender implement of this latter 

 class, No. 2382, with bent blades, manifestly used for lifting crucibles, 

 and in other smelting purposes. There were also several large -headed 

 nails, and other pieces of iron, such as might be found in the forge of a 

 smith or armourer, together with sharpening stones, spindle whorls, 

 mixed with various articles of household economy. 



We learn from history that in their predatory incursions the Scan- 

 dinavians pillaged our churches and monasteries, and despoiled us of our 

 gold and ornaments. They afterwards exhibited their commercial pro- 

 pensions in their trading settlements in Dublin, Waterford, &c. ; so 

 that, having " an eye to the main chance," they were always ready to 

 barter, and prepared to weigh the precious articles which may have 

 fallen into their hands. This may account for the circumstance that in 

 three instances, in this very neighbourhood, small scales have been dis- 

 covered in connexion with human remains and implements of war, art, 

 and barter. In the Islandbridge Find were discovered one straight 

 and one folding beam of coppery bronze, to both of which belonged cup- 

 shaped white metal scales; but in the former instance the chains were 

 wanting. In the latter, which is 5^ inches long in the beam, the chains 

 are perfect ; but suspended from a single strand, which holds up, by 



R. I. A.PKOC. VOL. X. D 



