Strap junction (fragment) and mount

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This enamelled bronze strap junction fragment and mount were found at the native hillfort settlement at Traprain Law in East Lothian. They were from fancy harness equipment, and date from between 80 and 200 AD.

The strap junction was perhaps originally cruciform in shape, with a central leaf pattern. There is a projection on the back and a central hole in the central panel for fixing the object to the leather harness. The mount is flat.

A range of harness equipment has been found at Traprain Law. The leather rarely survives, but the metal fittings and ornaments are often preserved. They come in many forms. Some, like these, are quite elaborate and decorative.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-083-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GVM 344
• Date: Between 80 and 200 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; flat; with blue and yellow enamel
  Enamel; projection for fixing on back; perforation on left side of central panel
  Mount
  Strap junction
  
• Dimensions: 0.88" x 0.88"
  1.25" L x 1.13" B
  
• What: Mount
  Strap junction
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
  Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
  
• Event:
• Description: Enamel strap junction from Traprain Law
  Flat bronze mount with blue and yellow enamel, from Traprain Law
  
• References:
  • Burley, Elizabeth. Metal-work from Traprain Law. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 89 (1955-6), pp. 118-226, esp. nos. 343, 344. 
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 33-5; vol. 2, nos. 29, 353. 
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