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Description: | Cast copper alloy finger ring of probable Roman date. The finger is cast in one piece and is sub-circular (oval) in plan and D shaped in cross section. It measures 27.4mm in length and 27.3mm width. It is 5.1mm thick and weighs 8.28 grams. The ring has a central sub-rectangular bezel, which measures 14.8mm x 10.9mm. This is the widest part of the ring. The ring then tapers and narrows on either side of the bezel (shoulders) to a uniform width of 4mm. The tapering of the shoulders is even and symmetrical suggesting that the ring was well made and that the craftsmanship was both well executed and elegant. The external face of the bezel has a series of central incised decorative motifs. These are contained within an irregular incised octagonal border. Within this border are four elements; the first is a heavily incised sub-oval shape, which creates a small panel. Within this panel are three radial lines. Beneath the sub-oval panel is a horizontal incised line formed in two parts. Beneath this line are a series of diagonal < shaped incised lines, forming a small leaf. This motif is repeated either side of the sub-oval panel. The overall design seems to represent a flame. It would seem that this motif acts in a similar way to the inset glass intaglios of the same period. It is likely that the ring would have been used to impress the design on wax as a personal seal . The rest of the ring is plain and undecorated. The finger ring has an even heavy mid-dark green coloured patina that covers all surfaces. There are however several large areas of abrasion and damage that have resulted in the loss of the patina. There is no evidence of active corrosion within these areas of damage.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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