Record

Head band of copper

< 1 of 1 > Back

From Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire

Postcard of Head band of copper.
000-100-036-134-C
© National Museums Scotland

Head band of copper

This copper head band, also known as a diadem, is one of two found at Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire. They were expensive ornaments for ostentatious display.

The ends of the rod taper into spade-like terminals. A similar diadem, in gold, is known from the Netherlands, and the copper is a composition found in Dutch and Breton objects.

Head bands of this type are very rare Early Bronze Age symbols of power. The Lumphanan examples emphasise the existence of links across the North Sea at a time when the earliest metal objects, and knowledge of metalworking, was reaching Scotland.


Record details

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

Online ID: 000-100-036-134-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FA 34
Date: Between 2500 and 2300 BC
Early Bronze Age
Material: Copper; flat expanded ends
Dimensions: 6.75" max D
What: Diadem
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Lumphanan, Cloake
Event:
Description: Early Bronze Age diadem of Dutch-Breton copper, from Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire
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 271-2. 
Translations:
Related Records:
< 1 of 1 > Back
 
Powered by Scran