Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 6.djvu/405

Rh without any perforation; the reverse of the stud, or boss, is hollow, but no apparent means of suspension or attachment can be discerned, as would naturally be expected at first sight. The reverse of the plates is quite plain, and slightly convex. May they not have been destined for some mystic or magical purpose?

4. A pair of bodkins, used probably for fastening the dress, measuring in length rather more than 6$1⁄2$ inches. They are precisely similar, except that on the reverse of the head of one of them is engraved the mystic Z symbol. (See wood-cuts, fig. 4, orig. size.) The head is beautifully chased, apparently for enamel, the ornament being spirals of the type prevalent in the MSS. before-mentioned. The head is of very singular fashion, hitherto found, as I believe, in Ireland alone. It consists of a semicircular button, surmounted by three projecting studs, the central one bearing a Greek cross patée. A similar pin, of bronze, and rudely fashioned, occurs amongst the antiquities from the tumulus at Lagore, Co. Meath, described in this Journal, by Mr. Talbot. Another, of silver, similar in the peculiar fashion of the triple head, is figured in Walker's "Dress of the Irish," pl. The ancient Sumptuary Laws, given by Gen. Vallancey, prescribe the lawful value of the silver bodkins, of various classes; that of the king or bard being fixed at 30 heifers.

5. A fragment of a diminutive pin of similar fashion, length, 1$1⁄4$ inch; the central stud appears to have been set with a gem.

Half size of Orginal. 430 grs.

6. A disc, of stout plate, measuring in diameter 3 inches, with a central boss. At the upper edge are two holes, possibly for the purpose of attaching it to the dress. A smaller disc, like a button, diameter, 1$1⁄2$ inch in the centre, formed with a deep casement, as if intended to be set with a gem, or other ornament. There is no apparent means of attachment as in the former.

7. Two fragments of armillæ, beaten out so that the inner side is hollow, the outer face convex. Width, three quarters