Brooch

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This gold ring brooch was found on Islay in the Inner Hebrides. It dates from the 14th century.

The side of the brooch is inscribed with the names of two of the Magi - Iasper and Melchior - and one of the Fates - Atropos. The other side bears the inscription: 'Ihesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivde' (Jesus of Nazereth, King of the Jews).

The Magi are the 'three wise men' from the East referred to in the Book of Matthew in the New Testament. The three Fates of Greek mythology are goddesses who control the destinies of the lives of men.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-482-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NGA 133
• Date: 14th century
  
• Material: Gold. Inscription: JESUS NAZARENUS
  
• Dimensions: 22.80 mm D
  
• What:
• Subject: Jewellery - brooches with old-type pins (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Jesus Christ
  
• Where: Scotland, Argyll, Islay
  
• Event:
• Description: Gold talismanic brooch inscribed with the names of the three kings and JESUS NAZARENUS, from Islay, 14th century
  
• References:
  • Caldwell, D.H. (ed). Angels Nobles and Unicorns: Art and Patronage in Medieval Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1982 p 41 
• Translations:
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