4.3.3.3 The use of jet and jet-like materials, c 1750 – c 750 BC

The use of these materials seems to have declined after the 18th century BC, although a new artefact type – the bangle of cannel coal or oil shale – appeared, probably during the second quarter of the 2nd millennium, as indicated by the evidence from Bodsberry Hill, Elvanfoot, South Lanarkshire (Terry 1993). Bangles continued to be used into the 1st millennium BC, with fine examples having been found in the St Andrews Hoard (Sheridan and Davis 2002).

Other post-18th century BC Bronze Age artefacts of jet/jet-like materials in Scotland are rare, and include the following:

  1. A single, squat fusiform bead of jet with sinuous incised decoration from a bucket urn at Glenluce, Dumfries and Galloway (Davidson 1952, fig. 2); the associated cremated bones have been radiocarbon-dated to 3210±60 BP (GrA-18304, 1630-1310 cal BC at 95.4% probability: Sheridan 2007)
  2. A toggle-like object of cannel coal or oil shale from a Bronze Age roundhouse at Rhiconich, Highland
  3. Beads cannel coal or oil shale of from a Late Bronze Age necklace from Balmashanner, Angus.

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