Bracelet

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This bronze bracelet, of a type known as a spiral or 'snake' bracelet, was found at Duntulm on Skye. It is a product of a local tradition of metal working specific to the North-east of Scotland during the 1st or 2nd century AD.

Similar examples were cast in a long rod, then coiled. However, the cracks along the length of this one suggest that it was made by 'cold' casting, where the metal or mould was not heated sufficiently, and probably as a coil. The surface decoration is very worn.

Eight similar bracelets, with snake ends and decorated coiled bodies, are known, all but one from Scotland. Of the Scottish finds, most are from the North-east, and this example was probably a gift or import from there.

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-097-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FA 98
• Date: 0 - 200 AD
  Between 0 and 200 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; in form of a double-headed snake; very worn; flaws in the metal have caused longitudinal cracks
  Armlet
  
• Dimensions: 2.00" H x 2.95" external D
  
• What: Armlet
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, Skye, Duntulm
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze armlet in form of a coiled double-headed snake, from Duntulm, Skye, Inverness-shire, 0 - 200 AD
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 103-4, 116; vol. 2, no. 215. 
• Translations:
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