IRON AGE HARNESS FITTING

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This group of three later Iron Age copper alloy objects recovered from near Kings Lynn, Norfolk comprises two enamelled flat-ring terrets and miscellaneous flat ring terret. The terrets The terrets are of the same type, however, one is in relatively good condition, being nearly complete and the other is in three pieces with a part missing. The complete terret has a rectangular sectioned attachment bar that is flanked on either end with moulded collars each decorated with a median groove. The flattened ring of the terret, which gives the type its name, provides a large area for decoration. This particular example has two elaborate 'S' type swirls set at such an angle to each other as to form a moustache-like motif. The moustache is picked out in copper alloy and the 'background' is coloured with red enamel. The design is organised around a vertical axis and is in keeping with the designs found on other examples of flat-ring terrets, although the 'swirls' are rather more delicate on this example. These terrets are most commonly found in East Anglia and particularly in the area attributed to the Iceni tribe (Norfolk, north Suffolk and north Cambridgeshire). One of the most impressive collections of enamelled flat ring terrets was recovered in Westhall in north Suffolk (see Jope 2000), and other examples are known from Ashill, Briston, Field Dalling, East Walton and East Winch in Norfolk (Hutcheson 2004).In addition to terrets, some harness mounts were decorated in a similar manner. Interestingly, a harness mount decorated in this style was found less than half a mile from these terrets. It could be that these objects all entered the ground together. The incomplete terret appears to have been decorated in the same vein but with the more usual thicker 'swirl and lobe' design. The 'background' on this example was also filled with red enamel. Although incomplete, it is clear that this terret was larger than the complete example. Terrets were used on a horse drawn vehicle (paired draught) to guide the reins from a horses mouth to a drivers hands. They were mounted on the yoke and used in sets of five: central terret and two situated on either side of the horse's shoulder. The middle terret was generally larger than the other four and a set was usually decorated in a similar manner. It is likely that these two terrets were part of a larger set, and it could be that the larger terret was centrally placed. Miscelleneous Terret The final object in this collection is also made from copper alloy but it is not a terret similar to any other currently known - therefore, it is probably best not categorise it as such. It consists of an entirely flat ring that narrows towards the top. At the base of the ring there is a circular disc from which it seems a shaft may have protruded (although corrosion of the metal makes it difficult to be sure). Above the base disc, and transversely placed to the ring, are two 'wings' of metal, one other front and one on the back. Above these is a circular knob that is seated on the internal rim of the ring. The ring appears not to have been decorated except for a groove defining its interior and exterior edges.Given that this flat-ringed object was found along with two flat-ring terrets, it seems likely that it was also a decorative item of horse paraphernalia. Although relatively plain looking now, copper alloy when polished is almost golden in colour, therefore if this object was originally situated on a yoke or another part of a horse bridle, it would have been rather eye-catching. It is possible that it did have a specific function, perhaps the knob was for holding a strap in a manner similar to a belt buckle. At present there are no parallels for this artefact. A date in the first century AD seems most likely. Objects decorated in this style are Iron Age - they are 'native' and not Romanised artefacts, however, they are very late Iron Age and could even be post conquest (post AD 43) or even post Boudican rebellion in date (AD 60/61). All of these objects, particularly the terrets are suffering with copper disease, they are being steadily corroded. As a group they are extremely interesting and important. The complete terret, despite the poor condition of the metal, is one of the best-preserved examples of a flat ring terret known, particularly with regard to the amount and quality of enamel that survives. I would recommend strongly that these artefacts be conserved before they deteriorate further.Dr. Natasha Hutcheson 4th November 2004.Jope, M. 2000. Early Celtic Art in the British Isles. Oxford: Clarendon PressHutcheson, N. 2004 Later Iron Age Norfolk: Landscape, metalwork and society. British Archaeological Report 361. Oxford: Archaeopress.