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Description: | Cast copper alloy annular ring, possibly a harness fitting of Late Iron Age to Roman dateThe ring is complete or near-complete and is sub-circular in form (with a maximum diameter of 45.2mm, a minimum diameter of 43.9mm and a weight of 81.7g). The ring is of sub-lozenge section, with convex faces (with a width of 14.4mm - 16.5mm and a thickness of 17.1mm - 18.5mm). The central opening is circular (with a diameter of 12.7mm). The ring is decorated with three raised ribbed mouldings, incised with a cable or pseudo-stiching motif on the midsection and both apexes. No other applied decoration is evident on the ring. The midsection has a single oval aperture (9.9mm long and 3.7mm wide) and seemingly being as deep as the ring (with a depth of 12.9mm). The function of the aperture is uncertain. The surface has a pale-green corrosion overlying the dark-brown corrosion. There are no obvious wear facets on the surface of the ring.Analysis to ascertain the composition of the metal was attempted using X-ray fluorescence, the results are not semi-quantitative but indicate that the alloy is a leaded bronze, consistent with some pre-Roman bronzes.The annular ring has proved difficult to parallel in the archaeological literature and is therefore difficult to identify and date with confidence. The general style and form are reminiscent of some Late Iron Age and Roman harness fittings. A similar annular ring with an integral but damaged suspension loop was recorded from the Isle of Wight (Basford, 2008) , which is also suggested as being a harness fitting of Late Iron Age or Roman date. Another ring of similar form from Great Dunham, Norfolk is recorded as undated (Bales, 2007) and has a depression on its midsection. It is possible that an integral suspension loop has fractured from this ring or it appears more likely that it is from a composite attachment.1. Basford,F (2008) IOW-999C62 A IRON AGE HARNESS FITTING Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/211461 [Accessed: 3 Jun 2014 14:14:30]2. Bales,E (2007) NMS-90FC47 A UNKNOWN RING Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/193307 [Accessed: 3 Jun 2014 14:26:24]
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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