Buttons of jet and cannel coal

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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: 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
  Button
  Button
  Button
  Button
  Button
  Button
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
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