Bronze Dunadd Type G Penannular Brooches

We present, the Dunadd type G penannular brooches.

They are penannular brooches with faceted terminals defined by a collar at each end, reconstructed from clay moulds found at Dunadd. The lozenged recess has one circular pellet in the centre. We have interpreted this as being suitable for an enamel infill, which nicely brings out the colour of the circle in the centre. We have chosen red enamel for this, as this was a common colour of enamel used in early mediaeval Scotland.

Not all of the surviving brooch moulds have the central pellet, and there is a variety of sizes in the brooches that were produced. We have made 2 of the brooches, to produce a medium sized, and small penannular brooch. But that then leaves the question of the pin. The medium sized brooch works well with a pin that extends just over the diameter of the ring, and can therefore be used to fasten any type of early mediaeval clothing. The small brooch works the same, although this makes it a very small brooch.

Then we had an idea, and in consultation with Adrian Maldonado, of National Museums Scotland, we came up with the idea that the small brooch would also work as the ring of a ringed pin type brooch!

This is the type of cloak fastening that uses a looped head to hold the ring, and is secured in place with a textile cord. This produces a brooch pin similar to that from the Viking-age grave at Balnakeil, in Durness, Sutherland.

Inspired by this we also tried out making a longer pin for the medium sized brooch, which extends well beyond the ring of the brooch. Again this makes an excellent cloak-pin, reminiscent of the fine brooch pins from Ireland. This makes sense, given that Dunadd is reputed to be the capital of Dalriada, the first kingdom of the Gaelic Scots, who traced their lineage back to Ireland.

Medium Brooch with short pin - 35mm diameter, 45mm pin length, 19g

Medium Brooch with long pin - 35mm diameter, 100mm pin length, 29g

Small Brooch with short pin - 21mm diameter, 26mm pin length, 7g

Small Brooch with long pin - 21mm diameter, 100mm pin length, 15g