Bracelets

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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: 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
  Armlet
  Armlet
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
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