Fragment of a clay mould for making tacks, and a row of tacks

Add to album

This fragment of a baked clay mould and the row of bronze tacks were found at the native hillfort settlement at the Mote of Mark in Kirkcudbrightshire. They were used sometime between 500 and 700.

Molten bronze was poured into the mould, resulting in a row of tacks similar to that also found. The individual tacks would have been separated using hammer and chisel, and filed smooth.

The Mote of Mark was an important defended settlement in the early historic period. Excavations have revealed evidence of extensive metalworking. Together with other exotic finds, such as imported pottery, they point to a high status stronghold.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-102-577-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HH 293
• Date: 500 - 700 AD
  500 - 700 AD
  Between 500 and 700
  
• Material: Bronze
  Mould
  Tack / casting
  
• Dimensions: 2.38" L
  
• What: Mould
  Tack / casting
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Colvend and Southwick, Mote of Mark
  Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Colvend and Southwick, Mote of Mark
  
• Event:
• Description: Mould for tacks from Mote of Mark, Kirkcudbrightshire, 500 - 700 AD
  Row of tacks as cast, from Mote of Mark, Kirkcudbrightshire, 500 - 700 AD
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: