Bracelet of bronze

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This massive bronze bracelet was found at Mains of Auchinbadie at Montblairy in Banffshire. Massive bracelets of this type are a distinctly Scottish form of jewellery in the early centuries AD.

The massive bracelet has decoration in high relief. The holes in the terminals (one visible) originally held decorated enamelled dics. The bracelet had been cast as a flat strip, using the 'lost wax' method of casting, then bent into shape.

The wearing of ostentatious jewellery was just one of several ways in which the elite of Iron Age Scotland displayed their wealth and power.

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-966-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FA 15
• Date: Between 100 and 300 AD
  
• Material: Large; with projecting ornaments and two oval openings filled with enamel
  Armlet
  
• Dimensions: 4.00" x 4.75" internal D; 5.50" deep; weight 3.75 lbs
  
• What: Armlet
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Banffshire, Montblairy, Mains of Auchenbadie
  
• Event:
• Description: Large armlet with projecting ornaments and two oval openings filled with enamel, from Mains of Auchenbadie, Montblairy, Banffshire
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 106-10; vol. 2, no. 235. 
• Translations:
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