Strap fastener

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This enamelled bronze strap fastener was found at a crannog in Milton Loch at Crocketford in Kirkcudbrightshire. It was used, probably on harness equipment, sometime during the first two centuries AD.

The fastener is a button-and-loop type, ornamented with enamel decoration. It was used with two straps: one strap fastened through the loop, and the button would fix through the eye in the second strap.

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: 000-100-043-290-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HT 175
• Date: Between 0 and 200 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; circular head; triangular shank
  Fastener
  
• Dimensions: Head 1.15" D; shank 0.60" across base
  
• What: Fastener
  
• Subject:
• Who: Mrs C.M. Piggott, F.S.A.Scot. (Excavator)
  
• Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Urr, Milton Loch
  
• Event:
• Description: Elaborate bronze button-and-loop fastener, from Milton Loch, Kirkcudbrightshire
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 131-2. 
• Translations:
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