Bronze bracelet

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This bronze bracelet is the only surviving one of two matching bracelets found in a wealthy burial from Melfort in Argyll. It was an expensive ornament, worn sometime between 2050 and 1800 BC.

The thin bracelet made from sheet bronze is decorated with bands of raised lentoid-shaped patterns separated by three grooves. The distinctive boss motif was popular for a long time in Scotland.

Jewellery functioned as a symbol of power and prestige in many periods. Some items, such as this one, were worn to confirm the status and wealth of its aristocratic owner.

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-444-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DO 51
• Date: Between 2050 and 1800 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; thin; decorated with bands of raised lentoids divided by three grooves, similar grooves round each edge
  Armlet
  
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• What: Armlet
  
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• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Argyll, Melfort
  
• Event:
• Description: Thin bronze armlet decorated with bands of raised lentoids divided by three grooves, from Melfort, Argyll
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp 112, 192, 288-9. 
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