Bronze bracelet

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.

Record details

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

Online ID:	000-100-034-444-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
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
Dimensions:
What:	Armlet
Subject:
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.
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back