Bird-headed brooch mould, Dunadd, Argyll

3D Model

Lower valve of a clay mould for casting a penannular brooch from Dunadd, Kilmichael Glassary, Argyll, Scotland.

Accession No.: X.1996.293.653 / X.GPA 653

Material: Fired Clay

Date: Early medieval

One of many clay moulds found during excavations at the hillfort of Dunadd. This one was used to cast a penannular brooch of 28mm diameter, with decorated hoop and terminals in the shape of bird heads. Penannular brooches were used to fasten cloaks, but also served as badges of elite status in the early medieval period. They were produced in hillforts like Dunadd and given as gifts from lords to their clients. Brooches with bird-headed terminals are rare in Scotland but were popular in 7th-century Northumbria. However, this brooch is unique in having an interlace-decorated hoop, something seen only in the finest Pictish and Irish brooches of the 8th century. It shows the mixing of art styles which took place at Dunadd.