Description

Summary: Split amber bead (broken) later re-drilled with a V-shaped perforation (like shale buttons) found with primary cremation in 1st Tump of Twin Disc barrow Wimborne St. Giles G13, excavated by William Cunnington

Research results

A Bronze Age amber v-perforated button, found with a primary cremation in twin disc barrow Wimborne St. Giles G13, excavated by William Cunnington. The button has been made from a broken globular bead, with a V-shaped perforation, similar to that seen on contemporary jet and shale buttons, replacing the now incomplete through perforation. Based on use wear, this bead, similarly to other known amber beads, was probably still incorperated as part of a necklace.

This object was examined as part of the research published in Ritual in Early Bronze Age Grave Goods; a six-year research project carried out by Professor John Hunter and Dr Anne Woodward and funded by the Leverhulme Trust. Aided by a large number of other specialists the pair undertood an exhuastive study examining over 1000 objects held in 13 museums across the country in order to provide an extensive overview of burial practices in the period and identify regional practices.