Bracelet of bronze

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This massive bronze bracelet was found at Mains of Auchinbadie at Montblairy in Banffshire. It is an ostentatious item of jewellery worn to display wealth and power sometime between 100 and 300 AD.

The decorated bracelet originally had enamelled panels in its openings.

Massive bracelets are a distinctly Scottish form of display in the early centuries AD and they seem to have been made in northeast Scotland. They were worn, probably in pairs, on the upper arms. Almost all seem to be for male arms.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-116-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FA 15
• Date: Between 100 and 300 AD
  
• Material: Large; with projecting ornaments and two oval openings filled with enamel
  Armlet
  
• Dimensions: 4.00" x 4.75" internal D; 5.50" deep; weight 3.75 lbs
  
• What: Armlet
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Banffshire, Montblairy, Mains of Auchenbadie
  
• Event:
• Description: Large armlet with projecting ornaments and two oval openings filled with enamel, from Mains of Auchenbadie, Montblairy, Banffshire
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 106-10; vol. 2, no. 235. 
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