Hunterston Brooch

Hunterston Brooch, an early Christian brooch with panels of gold filigree combining Celtic and Anglo-Saxon styles, made in the west of Scotland or Ireland around 700 AD.   This early Christian brooch was found in 1830 on the Hunterston Estate in Ayrshire. It is a masterpiece of craft skills, and would have been worn by powerful nobles or clerics. Its style is typical of western Scotland and Ireland, combining Celtic and Anglo-Saxon influences. It is made of silver, richly decorated with amber settings and panels of filigree goldwork representing interlaced beasts. The back has gilded interlaced decoration. It had a long life, falling into the hands of Vikings around AD 1000 - a runic inscription on the back reads 'Melbrigda owns this brooch'.
Object no :
NMAC003n
Collection :
Craft, industry and trade
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
NA
Dimensions :
diameter 122 mm
Materials :
Gold filigree, beaded wire, gilded cast silver panels
Location :
NA
Accession number :
X.FC 8
Copyright :
Board of Trustees, National Museums Scotland
2 Fmedia2 F27902 F4898

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