BRONZE AGE VOTIVE MODEL

-1000

Cast copper alloy votive model of a miniature wheel dated to the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age (1000-500 BC). The wheel is broadly sub-circular in plan with a broadly square shaped ‘axel’ from which four spokes radiate. The rim of the wheel is oval in cross section; however, it varies in thickness around its circumference. This variation is accentuated by abrasion which has removed significant areas of metal from specific areas. The central axel hole / perforation is an irregular square (diamond) shape with concave (bowed) sides and pointed corners. From each corner of the central hole an oval cross sectioned axel extends. These axels merge with the centre of the inner edge of the wheel. The outer edges of the four axels form four divided areas each of which is broadly semi-circular in plan. There are no areas of decoration present; however, if the decoration was slight or ephemeral then it may have been lost through corrosion and abrasion. The votive model measures 33.6mm length, 34.6mm width, is 8.9mm thick and weighs 30.24 grams. The votive wheel model is a dark green colour with an abraded and corroded (pitted) surface. Where the original surface has been removed, probably by movement in the ploughsoil, a light green active powdery corrosion is present. This is most evident on the outer edges of the artefact. This form of artefact is relatively rare and the PAS has only recorded one other example from Thimbleby, Lincolnshire (DENO-0BBA52). Images of this artefact were sent to Dr Adam Gwilt at NGMW, Cardiff. Dr Gwilt suggested that similar comparable artefacts had been recorded in the late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age assemblage from the votive site at Flag Fen, Peterborough, amongst the Iron Age Salisbury hoard, and also the Hounslow Hoard. Thanks are extended to Dr Gwilt for his help and advice as well as providing similar parallels for this record.