Scotland’s Bronze Age people believed in leaving gifts to the gods, perhaps after battle or a good spell in a certain spot in the land. Burials too were often highly decorated as a show of status in a society rich with trade links and metal-working skills.
5. A hair ring for a special person
Hair rings likely indicated status and trading activities within Bronze Age communities and often adorned the dead. This piece was found near Boghall, Lanarkshire and dates sometime between 950BC - 750 BC. PIC: NMS. Photo: NMS
6. Fit for a Bronze Age horse
These decorative pieces come from a Bronze Age horse harness found near Peebles last month. The horse likely indicated power and status of the community it belonged to. PIC: Crown Office Communications/PA. Photo: Crown Office Communications
7. Gifts to gods
This beautiful gold armlet was part of the Heights of Brae hoard found in Easter Ross and was buried either for safekeeping or as a gift to the gods. which dates to around Heights of Brae, Easter Ross, Late Bronze Age 950 - 750 BC Photo: NMS