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.

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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-968-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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