Pony cap

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This bronze pony cap was found at Torrs, at Kelton in Kirkcudbrightshire, along with two horns. It is a unique find, and must have been used on ceremonial occasions sometime between 300 and 100 BC. This picture shows the less well-preserved side.

The cap is decorated with repoussé design. Part of the front is missing, and the cracked front has a modern internal patch. Both the cap and horns were modified at some point in the past to attach the horns.

The unusual purpose of this object, and the high quality of workmanship and design, have attracted a great deal of attention. It was clearly an elite object, meant for ostentatious display.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-331-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FA 72
• Date: Between 300 and 100 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Mask / chamfrain
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Mask / chamfrain
  
• Subject:
• Who: Joseph Train (Originally presented item to Sir Walter Scott)
  
• Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Kelton, Torrs
  Scotland, Roxburghshire, Abbotsford
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze mask or chamfrain found in a moss at Torrs, Kelton
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, pp. 97-9. 
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 23-4; vol. 2, no. 1. 
• Translations:
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