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Statue
of St Magnus, 14th-century - SMC004
During
the restoration of the Cathedral at the beginning of the 20th
century, two carved images of St Olaf and St Magnus were found,
now on display in The Orkney Museum, Tankerness House.
The figure of St Magnus dates from the early 14th century.
It depicts him as a clean-shaven man, with various associated
iconography. He holds a sword to symbolise his martyrdom.
He also has a ribbon around his head, which is usually the
badge of office of a "hertug" or duke in Norway.
This is curious, as Magnus was an earl, and the title of duke,
with its ribbon, was not introduced into Norway until 1237,
long after Magnus' death.
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