Bead
Image © National Museums Scotland
Name/Title
BeadEntry/Object ID
X.FRA 872Description
Black opaque melon bead, from the Roman site at Newstead (Trimontium), 80 - 180 ADUse
May have been used for personal decorative jewellery, such as necklaces or earrings. Mellon beads in particular are found depicted as an adornment on horses. It could have also been a way for soldiers to secure the straps on their helmets.Context
The history of the glass bead in the Roman empire began as a status symbol for the wealthy and elite, however by the time the Romans established Trimontium in the late 1st century CE, glass ware was more commonly available and manufactured in large scale. Therefore, it could be procured by different sectors of the population. There were simple pieces widely available and also very specialized types of luxury glass.Collection
National Museums ScotlandCategory
Bead
Jewellery
Acquisition
Accession
X.FRA 872Made/Created
Time Period
1st - 2nd centuryEthnography
Cultural Region
Continent
EuropeCulture/Tribe
Roman