IRON AGE HARNESS FITTING

-300

A cast copper alloy mini terret dating from the Late Iron Age to Early Roman period (300 BC - 100 AD). The terret has a D-shaped loop with a short straight bar and expanded terminals at each end of it. The hoop is oval in section and flares towards the terminals. These project in all directions and are lipped, with two grooves on the internal rim. The bar is straight and recessed from the inside and outside of the hoop. It is 4.84mm long, 2.96mm wide and 2.44mm thick. It was probably originally rectangular in section but is now worn. The terret has a bright green patina and shows evidence of corrosion. It can be compared to LIN-6799A3, SWYOR-6FB6D2 and SF-A70334. These objects are described in the literature as 'minature terrets' but they are different to true terrets in form and function. It is suggested that these 'minature terrets' or "strap rings" were attached to the end of narrow straps used to secure the foot of linch-pins so that they were locked into place through the axle. Miniature terrets have been found in association with the heads of linch pins in vehicle burials in East Yorkshire. Another miniature terret was found in association with with an Iron Age sword and scabbard in Cumbria and was possibly part of a belt or baldric fitting (Leahy, 1995).Length: 14.4mm; Width: 16.1mm; Thickness: 5.2mm; Weight: 1.95g