From Traprain Law, East Lothian

Strap fastener

This enamelled bronze strap fastener was found at Traprain Law in East Lothian. It was used, probably on harness equipment, sometime during the first two centuries AD.

The strap fastener is a button-and-loop type. It was used with two straps: one strap fastened through the loop, and the button would fix through the eye in the second strap. A spot of blue enamel has been used to fill in the centre of the flattened boss.

Leather on harnesses rarely survives, but the metal fittings and ornaments are often preserved. Some of the fittings, such as this one, resemble fasteners used on clothing, and were presumably used where decoration rather than strength was wanted.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-039-938-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.GVM 231
Date:	Between 0 and 200 AD
Material:	Bronze, enamel; oval; flattened hemispherical boss with spot of bright blue enamel in centre
Dimensions:	42 mm L
What:	Fastener
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
Event:
Description:	Standard button-and-loop fastener of bronze with flattened hemispherical boss with spot of bright blue enamel in centre, from Traprain Law
References:	MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 131-2.
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