Brooch of bronze

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This bronze brooch was found at Castle Law at Abernethy in Perthshire. It may have arrived from southern England via gift exchange between elites, between 300 and 100 BC. It was used to fasten clothing.

The brooch is known as a La Tène type. It is incomplete, and originally had a knob at the catch-plate end. The middle of the bow has a concave transverse moulding with a line on either side.

The reasons behind the movement of objects can only be guessed at. Often it was not the result of a commercial transaction as we know it today. Instead, the exchange could be used to create obligations and as a means to maintain a social position.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-533-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GP 30
• Date: 300 - 100 BC
  Between 300 and 100 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Brooch
  
• Dimensions: 2.25" x 0.63"
  
• What: Brooch
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Abernethy, Castle Law
  Scotland, Perthshire, Abernethy, Castle Law
  
• Event:
• Description: La Tene brooch of bronze from Castle Law, Abernethy, Perthshire, 300 - 100 BC
  
• References:
  • Christison, D. and Anderson, J. On the recently excavated fort on Castle Law, Abernethy, Perthshire. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 33 (1898-9), 1899, pp 13-33, esp. p 32. 
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