Brooch
- This brooch was discovered in 1964, during excavations on the Iron Age hillfort of Moel Hiraddug near Dyserth in Denbighshire. This work was in response to the quarrying of the hill.
- Moel Hiraddug is a large and complex hillfort occupying a narrow ridge overlooking the mouth of the Vale of Clwyd. It was altered and developed many times between the Early and Late Iron Age. Within the fort evidence of stone and timber roundhouses, together with the foundations of granaries, were discovered.
- The brooch is made from a single piece of bronze and the style is characteristic of the Middle Iron Age (450-350BC).
- The brooch is decorated with a ring and dot design on the bow. The inset is missing but it may have been filled with red coral, from the Mediterranean or white tufa, from north-east Wales. Coral was traded over long distances and was considered a luxury material.
- Brooches were used to fasten and secure items of clothing, such as cloaks. Men and women wore them perhaps for reasons of status.
- The Moel Hiraddug brooch is like a big safety pin. It is 65mm long, 21mm in height and weighs 17.1g
