This is illustrated on the graveslab of Donald McGill-easbuig. Until about 1600 there were closer cultural ties with Ireland than with Lowland Scotland. Highland art after 1500 West Highland art continued to flourish after the Lordship was suppressed. Although the carving of crosses and graveslabs came to an end with the Reformation, the characteristic designs survived. They were used to decorate jewellery, weapons and everyday objects until the 18th century, and have since then had a new lease of life, particularly on 20th-century jewellery.
Typical features are interlace, spotted animals, foliage and imitations of black-letter script.
The Highland dirk was an all-purpose implement which evolved from the medieval dagger. Dirks could be tools, utensils for eating, and weapons. They were made in the Highlands by local craftsmen, and carried by most men. Brooches were worn by women in the Highlands, while men used simple pins to fasten their plaids, the typical Highland garment. The style of ring brooch now thought of as typically Highland came originally from Europe.