Gold collar (lunula) found at Orbliston, Moray

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This gold collar, also known as a lunula, was found at Orbliston in Moray, and was either imported from Ireland, or (perhaps more likely) copied from an Irish example using Irish gold.

The collar is decorated with incised and possibly punched parallel and angular lines. One of the two rectangular terminals is broken off, and the other is in two pieces, lacking a small section.

This precious symbol of power is one of the earliest metal objects found in Scotland. Ireland was a source, not only of prestigious objects and design ideas, but also of metalworking know-how.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-461-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FE 2
• Date: Between 2300 and 1900 BC
  
• Material: Gold; ornamented with incised parallel and angular lines
  Lunula
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Lunula
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Moray, Fochabers
  
• Event:
• Description: Early Bronze Age gold lunula ornamented with incised parallel and angular lines, from Orbliston
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V. Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985
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