From Traprain Law, East Lothian

Moulds and a strap fastener

These two clay moulds and bronze strap fastener, similar to that which would have been produced by the moulds, were found at the native hillfort site of Traprain Law in East Lothian. They were used sometime between 0 and 200 AD.

Both moulds produced strap fasteners similar to that pictured: a fastener with a square head and triangular loop for attaching a leather strap. One of the moulds, pictured lying on its side, is unused, while the other, now in two halves, is cracked.

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:	000-100-040-084-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 557
Date:	Between 0 and 200 AD
Material:	Bronze; flat square head; triangular loop; head bearing incised line round edge Clay, baked; ovoid; orifice at one end; probably for a square-headed dress fastener Two halves; ovoid; for casting dress fasteners with a square plate and triangular loop
Dimensions:	1.31" L 50 mm L x 32 mm thick
What:	Button and loop fastener Mould Mould / portion
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
Event:
Description:	Standard button-and-loop fastener of bronze, with a flat square head, from Traprain Law, East Lothian Ovoid mould of baked clay with an orifice at one end, probably a mould for a square-headed dress fastener, from Traprain Law Two halves of an ovoid mould for casting dress fasteners, 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. 216, 556, 557.
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