Mould and a bronze pin

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This clay mould for a pin and a bronze pin, similar to that which would have been produced from the mould, were found at the native hillfort site of Traprain Law in East Lothian. They were used sometime between 200 and 400 AD.

The mould is the back half of a complete mould for producing a hand pin, whose head had a five-lobed design. The much-corroded pin has raised beads on the head.

The large, defended hillfort at Traprain Law was an important site in Iron Age Scotland. Excavations have uncovered extensive evidence of metalworking on the site. Craftsmen produced a range of functional and decorative items.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-069-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GVM 553
• Date: Between 200 and 400 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; rough; projecting ring head with pellets
  Clay; back half of a complete mould; for hand pin; the head showing a cinquefoil
  Mould / portion
  Pin / casting
  
• Dimensions: 2.31" L
  2.63" L
  
• What: Mould / portion
  Pin / casting
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
  Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
  
• Event:
• Description: Rough casting of a bronze pin with projecting ring head with pellets, from Traprain Law
  Back half of a complete clay mould for a hand pin, the head showing a cinquefoil, from Traprain Law
  
• References:
  • Burley, Elizabeth. Metal-work from Traprain Law. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 89 (1955-1956), 118-226, nos. 113, 553. 
• Translations:
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