From Mains of Auchinbadie, Montblairy, Banffshire; Belhelvie, Aberdeenshire

Bracelets

These two massive bronze bracelets were found at Mains of Auchinbadie at Montblairy in Banffshire and at Belhelvie in Aberdeenshire. They are ostentatious items of jewellery worn to display wealth and power sometime between 100 and 300 AD.

This picture shows the back of the bracelets. They both are penannular in shape, closing close together but without fastenings. Both bracelets are obviously of similar appearance and workmanship. Originally both had enamel inserts in the openings.

Massive bracelets are a distinctly Scottish form of display in the early centuries AD and they seem to have been made in northeast Scotland. They were worn, probably in pairs, on the upper arms. Almost all seem to be for male arms.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-190-000-967-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.FA 16
Date:	Between 100 and 300 AD
Material:	Large; with projecting ornaments and two oval openings filled with enamel
Dimensions:	4.00" x 4.75" internal D; 5.50" deep; weight 3.75 lbs 4.50" H x 4.50" internal D
What:	Armlet Armlet
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Belhelvie, Links of Drumside 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 Massive armlet from Belhelvie, Aberdeenshire
References:	MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 106-10; vol. 2, nos. 235 & 236.
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