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Description: | A cast copper alloy skirted terret ring dating to the Roman period. Terret rings were attached to chariots, carts or wagons and served as rein-guides. They helped guide in reins from the horses harness to the rider/charioteers hands. This particular type of terret ring dates to the Roman period (more specifically 1st-2nd century AD). This terret can be specifically dated because of the 'skirt' which covers the second loop. The large loop would have been used to guide the reins, whilst the smaller loop below was the means of attachment to the harness. The terret would have been strapped to a wooden yoke, which is a pole fixed to the front of the cart and passed between a pair of horses. Most vehicles would have five terrets; four small side terrets (two for the reins of each horse) and one larger central terret, probably at the end of the yoke closest to the driver, through which the reins would pass. The item consists of a nearly circular loop, mounted on a 'ridge-piece'; this has a attachment loop beneath it. The upper ring has an oval cross-section, and is thicket at it base; it tapers towards the top although the slimmest part of the ring is to one side of the top. The base of the ring is joined to the ridge via a narrow decorative band, which bulges out. The ridge mount consists of two narrow sides which slope first down, then upwards. The ends are rounded, and slightly upturned; one end has a knop, while the other end has lost a similar knop on its side (recent break). The ends are slightly thicker than the sides, each of which is marked with three radiating raised strips. The attachment loop beneath (39mm x 20mm), which is almost a semicircle, is roughly made, and projects at a slight angle. The surface of the artefact is dark brownish-green; much of the original smooth surface survives. The shape of the object suggest it was made using the lost-wax process. The ring was obviously mounted onto a fitting with a ridge, sloping down on each side.
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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