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Image Not Available for Barra Castle Mourning Brooch
Barra Castle Mourning Brooch
Image Not Available for Barra Castle Mourning Brooch

Barra Castle Mourning Brooch

DateProbably 19th century
Object NameBrooch
Mediumbog oak, metal
ClassificationsJewellery
DimensionsOverall: Length: 6.8 cm, Width: 5.5 cm, Depth: 0.9 cm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS001176
About MeThis oval, bog oak brooch is carved in relief to show two elevations of Barra Castle, the former home of Quentin Irvine, Laird of Straloch and Barra.

The etiquette for mourning jewellery during the 19th century was just as strict as that for clothes. While in deepest mourning, a dull, matte finish on jewellery was essential, and the wearing of a polished or shiny jewels was concidered socially unacceptable as it could imply that the wearer was in fact coming out of the mourning period.

Bog oak (which is not always oak) is wood which has been preserved in a peat bog and possesses a dull and soft texture. Although bog oak was sourced across Britain, the majority came from Ireland where there was also a thriving business in bog oak jewellery production.
More About Me
This dark and dull bog oak was entirely suitable for 19th century mourning etiquette. The wood's weathered appearance echoes the craggy stonework of Barra Castle by Oldmeldrum.