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Description: | A cast copper alloy ring of probable later prehistoric date - Late Bronze Age or Iron Age date (1000 - 300 BC). There is some debate as to the function of these decorated rings, in that some have been described as personal ornaments associated with articles of dress whilst others have described them as being associated with harness fittings. The ring is complete and is circular in plan and sub-oval (lentoid) in cross section. It measures 31.2mm in diameter, is 7.6mm wide, and is 5.5mm thick. The internal hole has a diameter of 16.4mm. The ring weighs 14.55 grams. Both faces of the ring have been decorated with similar designs. These consist of a series of five concentric bands, the inner, middle and outer bands are raised and form plain undecorated ribs; the other two are recessed and enclosed. The recessed bands are decorated with a series of radiating pellets formed into radiating vertical lines. The dots / pellets are very small and it is unlikely they were formed with a punch; instead it is likely that they were cast (possibly in a fine sand mould. The decoration on both sides is similar but varies in the width of the decorative bands. The inner edge of the hole is rounded and it is highly unlikely that this could be classed as a finger ring.The ring is a mid brown colour with a well developed but slightly powdery patina which covers all surfaces. There are several areas where abrasion has removed this patina and bright green active powdery corrosion has developed. This corrosion is causing damage to the artefact by causing the patina and surface decoration to laminate and thereby reveal fresh metal. Storage in a dry atmosphere is the only long term storage suggestion as treatment by applying a non-permeable surface will only cause the corrosion to be sealed and cause more long term damage. It is impossible to tell how unstable the patina is and careful handling and transportation should be observed avoiding any sharp bumps of drops.Similar rings were found during the excavations at Flag Fen, Peterborough and dated to the later Bronze Age or Early Iron Age (Cat. No. Fig 10.10 252-253 pages 277-280). These excavated parallels were formed from high tin content Bronze and it is possible that this example is similar. A clear function for these rings is not suggested but their significance, being found within a ritual prehistoric context would suggest either merit on their own account, or close functional association with the other artefacts recovered.
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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