Record

Bronze dagger blade with a gold hilt band

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From Blackwaterfoot, Arran

Postcard of Bronze dagger blade with a gold hilt band.
000-100-035-808-C
© National Museums Scotland

Bronze dagger blade with a gold hilt band

This bronze dagger blade with a gold hilt band was found in a grave under a cairn at Blackwaterfoot in Arran. It is a locally made copy of a prestigious and fashionable object from southern England. The dagger dates from between 1750 and 1450 BC.

The dagger has three ribs, and two large rivets still in place where it attached to its handle. The edges are damaged, and the surfaces badly corroded. Part of the mounting of the handle, made of Scottish gold, survives in two pieces.

Certain styles of prestige object, such as this dagger, were fashionable in Wessex in southern England. These fashions spread northwards and were adopted by the elite in Scotland, who had copies made in local materials.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-035-808-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 268
Date: Between 1750 and 1450 BC
Material: Bronze; three-ribbed; with two large rivets in place and part of the gold mounting of the handle
Dimensions: 9.00" x 2.50"
What: Dagger
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Bute, Arran, Kilmory, Blackwaterfoot
Event:
Description: Three-ribbed bronze dagger with two large rivets in place and part of the gold mounting of the handle, from a cairn at Blackwaterfoot, Arran
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 284-5. 
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