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.

Both bracelets are obviously of similar appearance and workmanship, decorated in high relief. Originally both had enamel inserts in the openings. The patching on the interior of a terminal on the larger bracelet can be seen in this picture.

The elite of Iron Age Scotland displayed their wealth and power by wearing ostentatious jewellery such as these, carrying special weapons, using special and ornate harness equipment on horses and throwing large scale feasts.

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Online ID:	000-190-000-968-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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