found at Langhope, Roxburghshire

Brooch (front)

This flat circular silver ring brooch dates from the 14th century. It was found in a small hoard of like material at Langhope in Roxburghshire. It is decorated with simple designs and an inscription, which suggests that the brooch was used as a protective amulet.

The front is inscribed '+IHESVS NAZARENVS REX NAZAE+'. The pin has a design of alternate hatched and plain triangles which is repeated on the other side of the brooch.

The talismanic inscription, invoking 'Jesus of Nazereth', was a sacred formula for protection (particularly against sudden death) or as a medium of good fortune.

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Online ID:	000-190-002-287-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.NGA 22
Date:	14th century
Material:	Silver. Inscription: +IHESVS NAZARENVS REX NAZAE+
Dimensions:	57 mm Dia x 8 mm D
What:	Brooch
Subject:	Jewellery - brooches with old-type pins (NMAS Classification)
Who:	Jesus Christ
Where:
Event:
Description:	Flat, circular brooch of silver inscribed "+IHESVS NAZARENVS REX NAZAE+", with a design of alternate hatched and plain triangles on the pin repeated on the other side of the brooch ring
References:	Callender, J. Graham, 'Fourteenth-century Brooches and other Ornaments', Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland 58, (1923-4), pp 160-84 [Stevenson, R. B. K.] Brooches in Scotland. Edinburgh: National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, 1966 (and later editions)
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