Amber

How Amber is made

When some coniferous trees are damaged they produce a sticky substance called resin that protects them from insects and diseases. This resin falls to the ground and hardens in moist places such as riverbeds, lagoons and seabeds. Amber is fossilized resin that has lain undisturbed for millions of years. Most of the world’s amber is between 30 and 90 million years old.

Finding Amber

Amber is not native to Ireland and was imported from the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It was a highly prized material. It is often associated with hoards of gold objects but it has also been found on its own. Amber artefacts indicate trade and commerce between Ireland and Northern Europe during the Bronze Age.

Amber Beads Found in Ireland

One of the most impressive collections of amber beads discovered in Ireland was found in 1847 in Cogran, Co. Offaly. It is believed that 160 beads were originally found, though less than 120 survive today. The beads are of different sizes, and it is believed that they would have been worn in a graduated necklace. Several clasps of gold and a small gold collar were found with the beads. It is rare to find the stringing remaining on the amber beads, however there is one such example in the Museum of Archaeology.

Exhibition Links at the Museum of Archaeology

At the Museum of Archaeology there are sets of amber bead necklaces dating from the Bronze Age on display in the ‘Prehistoric Ireland’ and ‘Ór – Ireland’s Gold’ exhibitions. In the ‘Finds from Irish Wetlands’ exhibition on the first floor, there is one set displayed with a short thin strip of bronze wire that was discovered ten feet deep in a bog at Knockmaroe, Co. Tipperary.

Bronze Age Handling Box – Amber

Enquiry Question

Who might have owned amber jewellery in the Bronze Age?

What Amber Objects are in the Handling Box?

The Bronze Age Handling Box contains a replica of an amber bead necklace and a piece of amber. Amber necklaces were worn as jewellery during the Bronze Age, most likely symbolising a person of high status within the community.

Teaching About the Bronze Age Using these Amber Objects

There are Key Concepts, Key Questions and Learning Outcomes for a range of activities related to the Amber objects. These resources and activities can be downloaded for use in the classroom.