Châtelaines, or girdle-hangers, are among the most interesting of discoveries in the graves of Saxon females. They consist of a bunch of small implements of various kinds--keys, tweezers, scissors, tooth-picks, ear-picks, nail-cleaners, etc., and ornaments of one kind or other--hung on a chain, which being attached to the girdle hung down by the side to the thigh, or, in some instances, evidently as low as the knee. The various instruments are of silver, bronze, or iron, and are generally, the iron especially, corroded into an almost shapeless mass. The silver and bronze being more endurable, the instruments of these metals are better preserved. The example here given (fig. 476) is from one of the Kentish graves. Of some of the articles found the use is unknown, but most can be easily identified. A bunch of what is supposed to be three latch-keys is given on fig. 477, and on the next figure, 478, two curious objects, the use of which has probably been to hang small instruments on, to attach them to the girdle. For the same use, probably, are the curious and somewhat puzzling objects which are occasionally met with, and are here shown on fig. 479. They are found in pairs, attached at the top, and vary much in the pattern of the lower extremities. Probably the girdle passed through the upper part, and keys and other objects would be hung on the lower ends. Each side of the one here engraved is six and a half inches in length. A large variety of girdle ornaments have been found in different districts. [Illustration: Fig. 476.] [Illustration: Fig. 477.] [Illustration: Fig. 478.] [Illustration: Fig. 479.] Hair-pins are of various forms and lengths. They are generally of bronze, but sometimes of bone. They are sometimes plain, but at others highly ornamented, occasionally being richly enamelled. Fig. 480 is of unique form, and has three flat pendants of bronze attached to its head by a ring. Besides hair-pins, numbers of metal pins for domestic purposes are met with. [Illustration: Fig. 480.] [Illustration: Fig. 481.] [Illustration: Fig. 482.] [Illustration: Fig. 483.] Of locks and keys, scales and weights, and many other articles, it will not be necessary to speak at further length than simply to note that they are sometimes found in Saxon graves. Bells--small hand-bells--too, are found in the graves of women. They are of bronze or iron, and of the rectangular form so characteristic of Saxon bells of larger size.