Scottish schoolchildren are to learn that the modern fashion for 'bling' (a hip hop slang term which refers to elaborate jewelry and other accoutrement) has its roots in the Bronze and Iron ages. An initiative running in the Highlands and Islands will attempt to show where a fascination with wearing large jewellery - and lots of it - began.
     Historic Scotland's Kings of Bling project has started with Struan Primary School on the Isle of Skye. Pupils in Inverness-shire and Ross and Cromarty will also get an insight into ancient 'bling'. The scheme involves trips to Bronze and Iron age sites. Struan pupils were taken on a visit to Dun Beag Broch, an ancient building believed to have been occupied until the 18th Century. As part of the scheme experts will explain how jewellery was a mark of powerand will show examples of massive bronze armlets and lunula necklaces. Youngsters will also get lessons on bronze axe and spearheads and flint arrowheads.
     Tricia Weeks, of Historic Scotland's education unit, said: "The aim of the initiative is to encourage pupils to take an interest in their local heritage by introducing them to prehistoric sites in the region and replica artefacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages. This teaches the children how such archaeological evidence is used to help us understand what daily life in prehistory was like." Further sessions are planned to run during September for schools in Caithness, Sutherland and Inverness.

Source: BBC News (24 May 2007)