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Bead of amber

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From Lanarkshire

Postcard of Bead of amber.
000-100-035-709-C
© National Museums Scotland

Bead of amber

This amber bead was found in a burial mound somewhere in Lanarkshire along with six locally made cannel coal beads. It is made of Scandinavian amber, and was imported from northern Europe sometime between 2450 and 2000 BC.

The bead is in the shape of a miniature battle axe, a symbol of power in Scotland and Continental Europe.

Only the wealthiest and highest status people had access to gold and amber in Bronze Age Britain. Amber beads and full-sized stone battle axes are known from early individual burials across the North Sea. Beads of this type are unique in Scotland.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-035-709-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.EQ 110
Date: Between 2450 and 2000 BC
Material: Amber; in form of a perforated stone hammer head
Dimensions:
What: Bead
Subject:
Who: Sim Collection
Where: Scotland, Lanarkshire
Event:
Description: Scandinavian Late Neolithic amber axe-shaped bead from a tumulus in Lanarkshire
References:
Translations:
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