|
Date: |
|
Description: | A fragment of a cart fitting of Roman date (c. AD 175 - c. AD 225). Length: 23.6mm; width: 11.0mm and 5.9mm thick. Weight: 5.18g.This fragment is a zoomorphic L-shaped terminal in the form of a bird's head, possibly a swan. The elongated beak has a rounded tip and is convex at the top and flat on the underside. The eyes are circular and bulbous and form prominent projections at the side of the head. Immediately behind the eyes the neck, oval in cross-section, curves and terminates in an old sharp break. The neck forms an angle of about 80° to the beak although the angle may have been steeper when the object was complete.The fragment is deeply pitted in places and has a dull khaki green patina. Bronze disease is active on the underside of the beak. Such fittings were used to secure reins when the vehicle was stationary.Similar fittings have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme. For example, see finds from Copston Magna Parish, Warwickshire (WMID4346); St Michael Parish, Hertfordshire (SWYOR-62F4B1) and Wiltshire (HAMP2939).
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
|