Monument record MHG49770 - Tarradale

NMRS Report: (19/09/2006 09:26:11)
NH55SE 89 55 50

Early Bronze Age dagger fragments. Corroded fragments of copper alloy, representing portions of least two knife or dagger blades of Early Bronze Age date, were discovered by Mr Charles Coston on the steep southern slope of the knoll occupied by the chambered cairn, Clachan More na Taradin (NH54NW 123). A trial trench excavated over the immediate area of the findspot confirmed that the fragments had lain within sandy soil and stones much disturbed by animal and
tree root activity. The stones most likely represent the remains of the spread of cairn material on the slope, beyond the presumptive line of any revetment or kerb.
The fragments are small and highly corroded, and few of the pieces retain any traces of their original edges. However, the condition and apparently flattened cross-sections of the blades are suggestive of an Early Bronze Age date, and this was reinforced by analysis of the metal. While it is possible that the dagger fragments could derive from a disturbed burial, it is equally likely, given that more than one blade appears to be present, that the fragments derive from a disturbed metalwork deposit.
Claimed as Treasure Trove (TT.36/05) and allocated to Inverness Museum.
T Cowie and C Coston 2005