Brooch

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This small, tinned-bronze penannular brooch was found at the native hillfort site at Castlehill near Dalry in Ayrshire. It was made sometime between 600 and 900.

The brooch has lozenge-shaped terminals, with settings for stones or enamel, now empty. The top and lower part of the pin are grooved, and the point is broken off. Part of the brooch has been coated with tin or silver to give a shiny appearance.

The penannular brooches of the early historic period range from simple, functional objects to highly complex and ornate examples meant to proclaim status. They were often decorated, some with other metals added, and stone or enamel settings.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-041-009-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HH 339
• Date: Between 600 and 900
  
• Material: Bronze, tinned; lozenge terminals
  Brooch, penannular
  
• Dimensions: Pin 1.25" L
  
• What: Brooch, penannular
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ayrshire, Dalry, Castlehill (Howrat)
  
• Event:
• Description: Tinned bronze penannular brooch, from Castlehill, Ayrshire
  
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