Head band of copper

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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

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-134-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: 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
  Diadem
  
• 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. 
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