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Description: | Cast copper alloy toggle or fastener of probable Late Iron Age date (150BC - 50 AD). The toggle is irregular in plan and broadly sub-oval in cross section. It is cast in one piece with a relatively thick slightly irregular oval (with a slightly pointed edge) shaped loop. From this pointed end a sub-rectangular shaped shank projects which terminates in a sub-spherical knop. The loop of the toggle and its cross section are irregular. The upper face has a domed convex profile whilst the lower is relatively flat in comparison. The internal edges of the loop are also rounded. The projecting shank is slightly waisted and the expanded knop at the terminal has a broadly bun shaped (sub-oval) cross section. There is no evidence of either incised or applied decoration to any of the surfaces of the toggle. The toggle measures 25mm length, 15.8mm width and has a maximum thickness of 7.4mm. The loop has an external diameter of 15.8mm, internal diameter of 6.5mm, and is 4.4mm thick. The knoped terminal measures 8mm x 7.4mm. The toggle weighs 6.14 grams.
The toggle is a mid green brown colour with an abraded and worn patina. There are large areas of pitting present which cover all areas of the toggle and this may be a result of high acid levels in the soil (or possibly nitrates) which have caused the patina to deteriorate. There are also a number of areas of light green active corrosion present. There is some debate about function of this artefact, especially as a direct parallel has not been found. The artefact can be described as either a toggle fastener or possibly a pendant. However, the presence of the bun shaped projecting knop would suggest a functional rather than decorative use. There are also other toggles with similar functional projections although these are usually found in pairs on the same artefact. The closest parallel to the function of this toggle can be seen in button and loop fasteners which are dated to the final phases of the Iron Age and the early Roman periods. The shape of this example would suggest an earlier date to these, hence the broad dating to the later Iron Age. | Subjects: | Pendant | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Reavill, Peter - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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