EMAP_2012_Report_6_1.pdf (7.3 MB) - The Heritage Council

The dominance of jet/lignite bracelets across all site types is shown in Fig. 7.10, along with
the distribution of glass and copper alloy bracelets. The smaller quantities of the latter types
may hinder the analysis, but their spread across a number of site types is notable. It is also
interesting that crannog sites have a relatively more even representation of both the more
common jet/lignite and the rarer glass and copper alloy bracelets. The waterlogged nature of
these sites would not be a factor in the preservation of these particular materials, so perhaps
this relates to other aspects of the sites, such as status. In terms of geographical
distribution, jet/lignite bracelets are widespread; and a significant proportion of the glass
bracelets occur around the modern county Meath (see manufacturing section for further
details).
Fig. 7.10. Distribution of three bracelet materials over site types
Eight sites have three or more materials among their assemblages of bracelets; the
combinations involved include glass, lignite and stone at Ballinderry I, Castlefarm and Carraig
Aille II; glass, copper alloy and lignite at Rathtinaun and Knowth; glass, boar tusk and copper
alloy at Ballinderry II; glass, lignite and petrified wood at Deer Park Farms; and silver, copper
alloy, glass and lignite at Lagore. These ranges suggest access to materials but also perhaps
multiple meanings; glass or metal ornaments, for example, are often considered as highstatus
materials, but in several cases (including ‘royal’ sites such as Knowth and Lagore) are
found in combination with more common, mundane materials, which often make up the bulk
of the assemblages.
Rings
Rings are also occasionally noted, although it is not always clear from reports whether these
are definitely finger-rings or are rings from pins or brooches which have become detached
from their pins. Thirty-four sites produced one or more rings. Most of these are metal rings,
most frequently of copper alloy (23 sites); however, two sites produced iron rings, and one
site each had silver and tinned rings. Non-metal rings include examples in amber,
lignite/shale, glass and stone. Among the larger assemblage and mixes of material are
Castlefarm and Deer Park Farms with four copper alloy rings apiece; Lagore, with five copper
alloy rings and one of amber; Knowth with jet and amber rings; Dalkey Island, with rings of
glass, stone and lignite; Feerwore, with three copper alloy rings and one of glass; and
Dunsilly, with rings of lignite and stone.
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