From Migdale, Sutherland

Buttons of jet and cannel coal

These buttons or studs were found at Migdale in Sutherland in a hoard containing an axehead, jewellery and dress accessories. One is made of jet, imported from Yorkshire, while the other five are made of local cannel coal.

The items are complete, although some are damaged on the edges. They were made by skilled craftsmen. Two have faint traces of lines marking out a cruciform design. The holes are V-shaped.

Buttons or studs with V-shaped holes were a widespread early Bronze Age fashion across much of Europe. The Migdale examples may have been used as buttons, to fasten clothes or pouches, or as decorative studs, sewn on to a garment for show.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-034-752-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.DQ 365
Date:	Between 2250 and 1950 BC
Material:	Jet; V-bored Jet; V-bored Jet; V-bored; irregular groove inside edge on under side Jet; V-bored; irregular groove on underside Jet; V-bored; top damaged Shale, grey; V-bored
Dimensions:	1.10" D x 0.40" thick 1.20" D 1.30" est D 1.35" D 1.50" D x 0.35" thick 1.78" D x 0.40" thick
What:	Button Button Button Button Button Button
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Sutherland, Migdale Scotland, Sutherland, Migdale Scotland, Sutherland, Migdale Scotland, Sutherland, Migdale Scotland, Sutherland, Migdale Scotland, Sutherland, Migdale
Event:
Description:	Early Bronze Age V-bored jet button with conchoidal fracture, from Migdale, Sutherland V-bored jet button from Migdale V-bored jet button from Migdale V-bored jet button from Migdale V-bored jet button from Migdale V-bored grey shale button from Migdale
References:	Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp 111, 206, 302-3.
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