IRON AGE FOB

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A copper alloy object in the form of a spoked wheel of Iron Age to Roman date. The object is circular in plan with an oval sectioned frame. Within the frame are three spokes formed of twisted rods of copper alloy. At the centre of the three spokes on each face is a decorative ring-and-dot motif. This may have originally held enamel within the recess. The object has a smooth olive green patina and appears to be complete.Dimensions: 58.01mm in diameter, 4.97mm thick, 27.4gPossible functions include use as a strap junction, a fob or dangler, or a minature votive object.Similar objects recorded on the database include fobs or danglers dating from the late Iron Age to early Roman period, (c 200BC-100AD). Examples include SUR-8328CA, https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/726426 and NARC-FD6337, https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/500890. Fobs or danglers are a poorly understood artefact type, and may have been hung from items of equipment, personal apparel or harness decoration (Jope 2000, pp 285). Jope (ibid.) records 17 known examples of danglers and related 'hangers' from Britain, while Macgregor (1976a, pp 37) records nine know examples of Triskele-decorated fobs from the British Isles.Other similar objects include miniature or votive wheels such as KENT-70F063, https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/737564 and WAW-360062, https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/158622.Reference:Jope, E.M. 2000 Early Celtic Art in the British Isles. Oxford University PressMacGregor, M. 1976 Early Celtic Art in North Britain. Leicester University Press