Mazer known as 'Bute' or 'Bannatyne' mazer, associated with Robert the Bruce

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A mazer is a communal drinking cup. This is the exterior of the 'Bute' or 'Bannatyne' mazer, associated with Robert I ('The Bruce'). Possibly made to celebrate a gathering at Rothesay of Bruce's supporters, this is Scotland's earliest recorded mazer.

The bowl is made of maplewood. The foot, the six ornamental hinged straps and the rim are all silver. The rim bears the name of Ninian Bannatyne, Laird of Kames, who probably commissioned the bowl's silver embellishments in the 16th century.

The mazer is of a type common in medieval times and uses heraldry, which was easily understood at the time, to demonstrate Robert the Bruce's authority as king.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-148-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  Q.L.1979.11
• Date: Central boss: Around 1315; (Bowl and silver mounts: First half of the 16th century)
  
• Material: Maple wood; silver; silver gilt
  Mazer
  
• Dimensions: 250 mm
  
• What: Mazer
  
• Subject:
• Who: Bute of Bannatyne
  Robert I (Robert the Bruce)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Bute of Bannatyne mazer with a deep circular bowl of bird's-eye maple wood on a flared silver foot
  
• References:
  • Calder, J. (ed). The Wealth of a Nation. Edinburgh & Glasgow: NMS & Drew, 1989 
  • Marshall, R. K. (ed). Dynasty: The Royal House of Stewart. Edinburgh: NGS & NMS, 1990 
• Translations:
• Related Records: