Gold collar (lunula) found at Orbliston, Moray

This gold collar, also known as a lunula, was found at Orbliston in Moray, and was either imported from Ireland, or (perhaps more likely) copied from an Irish example using Irish gold.

The collar is decorated with incised and possibly punched parallel and angular lines. One of the two rectangular terminals is broken off, and the other is in two pieces, lacking a small section.

This precious symbol of power is one of the earliest metal objects found in Scotland. Ireland was a source, not only of prestigious objects and design ideas, but also of metalworking know-how.

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Online ID:	000-100-036-461-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.FE 2
Date:	Between 2300 and 1900 BC
Material:	Gold; ornamented with incised parallel and angular lines
Dimensions:
What:	Lunula
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Moray, Fochabers
Event:
Description:	Early Bronze Age gold lunula ornamented with incised parallel and angular lines, from Orbliston
References:	Clarke, D.V. Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985 Find in NLS: Title, Author, Title+Author or British Library: Title, Author, Title+Author
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