Motif piece

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This slate bears a motif of a penannular brooch. It was found during excavations at the royal hillfort site of Dunadd in Argyll. The motif offers an insight into how brooches were designed. It was etched sometime between 575 and 850.

The subdivisions of the hoop and left terminal are only partially marked out but the right terminal is indicated in more detail. The brooch depicted is Irish in style and compares well with a now lost brooch from the Isle of Coll.

Excavations at Dunadd have revealed much evidence for the manufacture of high status jewellery and trinkets, including crucibles for working bronze, gold and silver. Designs for some objects were practised first on motif pieces such as this one.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-038-963-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GP 218
• Date: Between 575 and 850
  
• Material: Slate; oblong; with incised brooch figured on it
  
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• Where: Scotland, Argyll, Dunadd
  Scotland, Argyll, Kilmartin, Dunadd
  
• Event:
• Description: Motif piece of slate for a penannular brooch, from Dunadd
  
• References:
  • Youngs, Susan (ed). 'The Work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museums Publications Ltd, 1989, p 177. 
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