Mirror

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This bronze mirror was found at Balmaclellan in Kirkcudbrightshire in a hoard with sheet bronze mounts wrapped in four cloth parcels. It was a valuable object, important for display as well as for grooming. This picture shows the back of the mirror.

The mirror is edged with half-tubular binding, though approximately a third is missing. The six rivets on the handle probably fastened decorative plates, now also missing. The remains of compass-drawn lines for cutting out can also be seen.

Bronze mirrors are found in both Roman and native sites, particularly in southern Britain. They would have been valuable and prestigious possessions.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-964-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FA 1
• Date: Between 110 and 240 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; circular; handled; with late Celtic ornamentation
  
• Dimensions: 8.00" D; handle 5.00" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Balmaclellan
  
• Event:
• Description: Circular bronze mirror with handle, from Balmaclellan
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 141-2; vol. 2, no. 273. 
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