Heights of Brae Hoard facts for kids
The Heights of Brae hoard is a special collection of ancient gold items. There are at least eleven pieces in total. These treasures were made during the Late Bronze Age, which was around 950 to 750 BC. Today, you can see them at the National Museum of Scotland. This hoard is the largest group of Bronze Age gold objects ever found in Scotland!
How Was This Ancient Treasure Found?
Imagine you're ploughing a field and suddenly find something shiny! That's what happened in the 1960s at a place called the Heights of Brae. This area is near Dingwall in the Scottish Highlands.
Some of the gold objects were found by a farmer. Two of these were reported to the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland in 1979. Experts like D.V. Clarke and M.M.B. Kemp then carefully dug up the area.
Sadly, at least two gold items were lost before the experts arrived. People thought they were just old horse decorations and threw them away! Luckily, nine objects were saved. The digging didn't show any special spot where the hoard was buried. The experts believe the objects were originally together. The plough then scattered them across the field.
The nine surviving objects were reported to the Treasure Trove Unit in Scotland. This unit helps find and protect important historical items. The objects were then bought by the National Museum of Scotland.
What Gold Objects Were Found?
All the objects in the hoard are made of gold. The nine pieces that survived include:
- Five armrings or bracelets. These are rings worn on the arm.
- Three cup-ended ornaments. These are also called 'dress fasteners'. Their exact use isn't fully clear, but they were likely for decoration or holding clothes.
- One corrugated gold band. This means it has a wavy or ridged pattern.
These items were all used as ornaments, meaning they were worn to look good. Some of the objects were not completely finished. This suggests they might have been made right there in the local area. Or perhaps a metalworker who traveled around made them. Similar cup-ended ornaments and bracelets have been found in other parts of Scotland. They also look like items found in Ireland.
Where Can You See Them Today?
You can visit the Heights of Brae hoard today! The objects are on display at the National Museum of Scotland. This museum is located on Chambers Street in Edinburgh. You'll find them in the 'Early People' gallery.
