Record

Bead

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from Cairnholy, Kirkcudbrightshire

Postcard of Bead.
000-100-035-494-C
© National Museums Scotland

Bead

This highly polished jet bead was found in a long cairn at Cairnholy in Kirkcudbrightshire. It was amongst other material such as pottery sherds, a stone disc and shells blocking the forecourt. The bead dates from between 2000 and 1500 BC.

The only significant source of good quality jet occurs around Whitby in Yorkshire, although jet-related substances like cannel coal and lignite are known from several places in Scotland.

Partly as a result of this rarity and partly due to its electrostatic qualities, jet was valued through the ages. It required great skill to carve and pierce jet with the tools available to ancient crafts people.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-035-494-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.EO 829
Date: Between 2000 and 1500 BC
Material: Jet; biconical; large perforation
Dimensions: 0.80" x 0.65"
What:
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Cairnholy no 1
Event:
Description: Biconical jet bead with large perforation, from Cairnholy
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 61, 205, 211, 238. 
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