ROMAN HARNESS PENDANT

200

A cast copper alloy Roman period harness pendant, with the accompanying hanger, found separately in the same findspot. The pendant is intact and in fair condition. It has a narrow body based around a long flat triangle (point downwards); the lower terminal is a miniature phallus; the upper end is the intact suspension loop, containing the remains of the pin. The hanger is an oval plate with the central oval boss upon which is a central horizontal groove. On the reverse are two intact integral rivets. On the lower edge of the oval plate is the remaining part of the hinge. The two pieces were found 20 yards apart. K. Leahy believes this may date from the 2nd to 4th centuries.