From Mote of Mark, Kirkcudbrightshire
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.
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