Armstrong — Some Irish Bronse-Age Finds. 



147 



the joining on the inside can be clearly observed. Hollow rings with 

 transverse perforations are by no means uncommon in Ireland ; some 

 attain a considerable size. Their exact purpose is obscure, though on the 

 strength of a find containing some transversely pierced rings with a pin of 

 ordinary Bronze-Age type, near Trillick, Co. Tyrone,' it has been suggested 

 that such rings were used with pins to form a brooch or buckle. If so, 

 they might be considered as forerunners of the penannnlar brooch, which 

 became the ordinary mode of fastening the dress in the early Christian and 

 later periods. 



Fig. 9. 



Bronze gouge and rings found in 

 Co. Fermanagh (^). 



Fig. 10. 



Bronze axe-head and rings found near Glenstal, 

 Co. Limerick (^). 



It may be noted that the socketed axe-head appears to have been 

 imported into Ireland rather than there invented, for though axe-heads of 

 this type are abundant, no example has been found decorated with the 



generosity of Mr. G. W. Panter, m.r.i.a., may be cited as an example, this shrine 

 having been frequently sought by persons whose property had been stolen, and who 

 wished to swear the suspected thieves. It was believed that a false oath taken upon the 

 shrine was avenged by striking the perjurer with convulsions and death, or at the least 

 with facial disfigurement and distortion (Westropp, Journal Roy. Soc. Antiqq., Irel.. xxx, 

 p. 240). The use of the Domhnach Airgid for a similar purpose will also be remembered 

 owing to Oarleton's description of the swearing on the ^' Donagh" in the story of the 

 Horsestealers (" Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry "). The shrine of St. Lachtin's 

 arm was also used for swearing upon (Todd, Proc. Royal Irish Academy, v, 463). For 

 other examples, Petrie's "Round Towers," pp. 341, 342, may be consulted. 

 1 Evans, "Bronze Implements," 1881, pp. 398, 399. 



