Scotlands Treasure M.P. 16th century Baltic ring found in Burghead, Moray A small silver brooch originally finished with coating of gold, traces of which still remain. Brooches of this design became predominant across Europe from the early 13th century onwards, and were used to secure and fasten clothing. In overall dimensions this example is extremely small, and it must have been intended for a child. This is a significant survival as there are few medieval objects which can be firmly associated with childhood and children. Medieval Silver Brooch Tayport, Fife A small silver brooch originally finished with coating of gold, traces of which still remain. Brooches of this design became predominant across Europe from the early 13th century onwards, and were used to secure and fasten clothing. In overall dimensions this example is extremely small, and it must have been intended for a child. This is a significant survival as there are few medieval objects which can be firmly associated with childhood and children. Viking Sword Pommel Isle of Skye A Viking pommel of 9th-10th century date, cast from copper alloy. The pommel is slightly lopsided, and is asymmetrical, suggesting some limitations on the part of the maker. The findspot is in a part of Scotland which did not come under the authority of the Scottish crown until the mid-13th century. Bronze Strap Junction Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway Most metal objects from the Iron Age are not in fact made from iron, a metal which rarely survives well in Scottish soils, but are of bronze. A good example of fine Iron Age metalworking in bronze is this decorative strap junction from a horse harness with intact yellow and red enamelling. It is in very good condition, although part of one of the two decorative bronze lobes is missing. Enamelling is a common decorative technique in the Iron Age and this example gives some idea of how colourful many metal objects would have been, particularly when new and the bronze was highly polished. Gilt pendant Canonbie, Dumfries and Galloway This is a 16th century pendant made from silver and coated with a thin layer of gold. This type of ornament shows clear German influences. It has either been imported from the continent or was made by a Scottish goldsmith familiar with German techniques. It shows the figure of a young man wearing a beret. The style of hair and headwear make it possible to give this object a 16th century date. During the 16th century jewellery was worn in large quantities by men as well as women. Jewellery can tell us about a persons social position, political allegiances, religious beliefs and marital status.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 16:37:02 +0000
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