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Date: |
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Description: | A copper alloy artefact of the late Iron Age, currently unidentified. The object is essentially Y shaped in plan. The arms of the Y are formed from curved flat bars which are reminiscent of the sides of a spur. These arms bend downwards at the ends and they terminate in ancient breaks. The stem of the Y is formed from an ornate and complex loop which projects from the centre point of the arms. Where the elements join (though they were integrally cast) the arms part is wider and thicker than the rest of the arms. The projecting loop has a short neck, which is circular in section. Then there is a generous loop, the hole through which runs from side to side. The back of the loop is a narrow bar, a flattened oval in section similar to the bar on a small terret. This expands into the front of the loop which is lipped. Each lip is wide and projects outwards to the side. Between them is a narrow sinuous convex shape. On each lip is a depressed roundel which contains traces of red enamel. The centre piece flares at the bottom of the loop and is decorated with a similar roundel. At the base of the loop, is the start of another, smaller one, with mirrored decoration. Two thirds of this loop survives, but it is not clear whether there was originally more, or whether it was intended as a hook. There is no damage to the back of the bar where the loop would meet if it was complete, but the terminal of the hook may be an old break. There appears to have been some sort of iron fitting passing through the large loop, as traces of a ferrous concretion remain. The object has a lustrous dark grey green patina. It is 45.7mm long, 39.9mm wide, and 21.7thick. It weighs 23.71gm. The object is a different shape to other artefacts of this date on the database. It may have a family resemblance to tankard handles and vessel mounts, but it's function is unknown.
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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