Record

Gilt bronze mount

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found near Crieff, Perthshire

Postcard of Gilt bronze mount.
000-100-036-195-C
© National Museums Scotland

Gilt bronze mount

This gilt bronze mount is one of two found near Crieff in Perthshire, along with a brass harness loop, and perhaps other objects now lost. The mounts were made in the 8th century, perhaps intended for an altar, reliquary, cross decoration or book-shine.

The mount has a central panel of interlace around a setting of clear glass. Two bronze nails survive in the interlace panel. Two birds' heads in profile are on either side, one with an eye of unknown material, the other missing. A human mask is on top.

The Crieff mounts vary in their details, but are clearly related. They were probably part of an interlocking set of mounts. Their Christian iconography suggests they were attached to some object of religious importance.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-036-195-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FC 3
Date: Between 700 and 800
Material: Bronze gilt; ornamented with interlaced work and set with amber; human face in high relief
Dimensions:
What: Mount
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Crieff
Event:
Description: Bronze gilt mount ornamented with interlaced work and set with amber, with a human face in high relief, from Crieff
References:
  • Youngs, Susan (ed). 'The Work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museums Publications Ltd, 1989, pp 119-20. 
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