Brooch

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This silver gilt penannular brooch with glass settings was found at Aldclune near Blair Atholl in Perthshire. It was found on the site of a hillfort settlement, but is later in date. It may be from a later occupation or a burial there.

The brooch is decorated with blue and amber coloured glass studs on the terminals, centre of the hoop and pinhead, some now missing. It has panels of gilt, imitation chip-carved decoration. The tip of the pin has broken off.

A variety of Pictish penannular brooches have been found. They have a characteristic panel on the hoop and frequently they have lobed terminals. The pins, when they survive, are quite distinctive. Silver and bronze examples are known.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-736-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FC 304
• Date: 750 - 950
  Between 750 and 900
  
• Material: Silver with gilt panels and glass insets
  Brooch, penannular
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Brooch, penannular
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Aldclune
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver penannular brooch with gilt panels and glass insets, from Aldclune, Perthshire, 750 - 900
  
• References:
  • Youngs, Susan (ed). 'The Work of Angels'. Masterpieces of Celtic metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD. London: British Museums Publications Ltd, 1989, p 113. 
• Translations:
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