IRISH ANTIQUITY

Object Name: Bulla
Date Made: 950 - 800 BC
950 - 800 BC
Description: This Bulla, found near Downpatrick, takes the form of a tiny purse or bag, which is sometimes described as heart-shaped. It has two main parts; the body and a tubular 'top' open at both ends, by which it could have been suspended on a cord or chain. The main edge of the bag, where the front and back faces meet, is decorated with a band of 12 parallel, twisted gold wires. Similar bands of decoration occur round the tubular 'top' section. The front face of the bulla is decorated with a series of inscribed concentric circles at the centre of each is a raised gold stud. The back face is plain.
Materials: metal : gold (greater than 85%)
Place Collected
Date Collected: 05/10/2008
05/10/2008
Catalogue Number: BELUM.A2010.2
Copyright: National Museums NI

National Museums NI holds over a million objects in the collection, as well as this we manage the records and associated images for each object through a working database. The national collection has been almost 200 years in the making, and we recognise that thinking about collecting and collections has evolved over this time and continues to evolve. As a result, some of our records may contain language and views that we now consider offensive and unacceptable, for example, reflecting racist attitudes. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to reviewing and updating our records accordingly. Working with researchers, communities and academic partners we are learning more about the stories behind objects, and we are committed to sharing these with our audiences. We welcome feedback. Please email [email protected]