Dog leash, Palnure

Part of a medieval dog leash, probably used with hunting dogs.  It consists of an oval decorated ring with an attached swivel ring decorated with animal heads.  There are two leash plates on the ring.   During the Middle Ages hunting with dogs was a sport for the rich and wealthy.  This leash fragment dates from around 1150 and might have been used by someone living in the timber castle at nearby Monnigaff.