IRON AGE HARNESS FITTING

-100

An incomplete copper alloy, probable miniature terret ring of probable Late Iron Age to Early Roman dating (100 BC to 100 AD).The terret ring is of an unusual shape, being of a pointed oval shape. The sides have a circular cross section. A narrowed and recessed bar is present at the bottom of the terret ring. Circular collars are present at either side of the strap bar. The sides of the terret initially curve away from the strap bar, but then curve back together, where they join in a point. The top of this point exhibits an old, predepositional break.It measures 27.2 mm tall, 24.3 mm wide and 9.4 mm thick. It weighs 11.1 g.The probable terret is a mid green colour, with an even surface patina.Kevin Leahy (National Finds Advisor, Post Roman artefacts) comments that this example is unlike the usual terrets being smaller in size and form with rounded, rather than flat, bars. These things occur in the East Yorkshire 'Arras' chariot graves where they are associated, not with the yoke, or chariot pole, but with the wheels and linchpin. It is likely that they were attached to the end of straps, used to secure, or retain, the linchpin.