Finger Ring

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This bronze finger ring with an enamelled bezel was found at Tarnavie at Dunning in Perthshire. It dates from between 80 and 200 AD and may well have functioned as an amulet.

The ring is a common Roman type, ornamented in a native fashion. The enamel decoration is in a triskele pattern, a shape which seems to have had religious significance. It is in good condition, although some of the enamel is now missing.

Magic and superstition were an integral part of everyday life. Some shapes had special significance for a long period of time, for example the triskele pattern which reflects symbolism of the number three.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-192-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FA 109
• Date: Between 80 and 200 AD
  Early Iron Age
  
• Material: Bronze; with a flat, round bezel having a triquetra in the centre, and a second triquetra enclosing it; inlaid with red, yellow, and a missing, enamel
  Ring, finger
  
• Dimensions: Bezel 0.65" across
  
• What: Ring, finger
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Dunning, Tarnavie
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze finger ring with a flat round bezel inlaid with enamel, Early Iron Age, from Tarnavie, Dunning, Perthshire
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp 135-7; vol. 2, no. 260. 
• Translations:
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