IRON AGE STRAP FITTING

-300

A cast copper-alloy strap fitting or loop of Iron Age date. It is annular in form, circular in section with a large central aperture that is offset towards one side of the loop. The side of the loop that the aperture is closest to is presumably the base and is narrower than the opposite, outer, edge. The exterior surfaces of the object have moulded decoration. This comprises curvilinear foliate motifs that run from two raised circular mouldings at the base of the object, meeting at the outer edge where they are entwined in a possibly swirl shaped motif. It has a dark brown patina but no other obvious signs of decoration. The entire object measures 26.52mm in width, 25.22mm in length, 7.95mm in thickness and 12.57g in weight.This is a decorative cast copper-alloy strap fitting or loop, possibly even a miniature terret, and presumably from a harness or similar object. The form and decorative elements clearly indicate a later Iron Age date, although no direct parallel has as yet been identified. It is likely to date to between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC if not slightly later.