Moulds

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These clay moulds were found at the site of the royal hillfort at Dunadd in Argyll. They were used for making metal pins, a mount with a triskele ornament and a buckle. A bone pin of the sort which could have been used as a prototype is also shown.

Each of these represents one half (or valve) of a two-piece mould. The other valve would have fitted tightly on top, and the molten metal could have been poured through the funnel-shaped channel at the top.

Excavations at Dunadd have revealed much evidence for the manufacture of high status jewellery and trinkets, including crucibles and moulds for working bronze, gold and silver. The products were used as royal gifts to allies and loyal followers.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-041-974-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.1997.471
• Date: 575 - 850 AD
  575 - 850 AD
  575 - 850 AD
  Between 575 and 850
  
• Material: Bone; nail head; point missing
  Clay; for two pins with small nail heads
  Mould / fragment
  Mould, brooch
  Mould, triskele
  Pin
  
• Dimensions: 1.56"
  
• What: Mould / fragment
  Mould, brooch
  Mould, triskele
  Pin
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Argyll, Kilmartin, Dunadd
  Scotland, Argyll, Kilmartin, Dunadd
  Scotland, Argyll, Kilmartin, Dunadd
  Scotland, Argyll, Kilmartin, Dunadd
  
• Event:
• Description: Fragment of a clay mould for two pins with small nail heads, from Dunadd
  Nail headed bone pin, from Dunadd, 575 - 850 AD
  Mould for a small, class G penannular brooch, from Dunadd, 575 - 850 AD
  Mould for triskele from Dunadd, Argyll, 575 - 850 AD
  
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