Detail showing the carved horn handle of a bronze sword

This detail shows the carved horn handle of a bronze sword found in a peat moss at Dell at Aird on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The sword dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The carefully shaped handle was fitted to the tang of the sword by rivets.

From an early period, people in Scotland used objects made from bone, antler and similar materials in almost every area of daily life. The production of some objects, particularly those finely shaped and decorated, needed skill and care.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-100-034-411-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.DL 43
Date:	Between 950 and 750 BC Late Bronze Age
Material:	Bronze; leaf-shaped; handle plate imperfect; with remains of horn handle
Dimensions:	24.00" L
What:	Sword
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Lewis, Aird
Event:
Description:	Late Bronze Age leaf-shaped sword with remains of horn handle, found in peat at Aird, Lewis
References:	Coles, John M. Scottish late Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 93 (1959-1960), pp 16-134, esp. pp 29-30, 85.
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back