IRON AGE TOGGLE

-200

Cast copper-alloy decorated toggle, of probable late Iron Age or very early Roman date (200 BC - 100 AD). This example is described as a toggle, however, it is possible that it may in-fact be a strap slide or harness fitting of similar date. Alternative identifications are described in more detail below.The toggle is broadly an irregular cylindrical (sub-rectangular) in plan and circular in cross section. It tapers and expands regularly along its length being symmetrical in design. The toggle is separated into three parts, and can be broadly described as 'dumbbell shaped'. The central block is broadly sub-rectangular and the two terminals are sub-circular lobes. The toggle is pierced by a vertical cast hole through the central element; the hole has a diameter of 5.6mm.The toggle has several elements of both cast and incised decoration and some of this are very fine. The most detailed design is present on the front and rear faces of the central element. These designs consist of a series of opposing geometrical patterns; both faces are broadly similar although they oppose each other (their patterns are reversed). The major feature is an incised triangle which is positioned on one edge with the apex dividing the front face equally. At the centre of this incised triangle is a square panel with a single larger circular pellet at its centre. Surrounding the pellet, and enclosed by the square are radiating incised lines. The insertion of the square shape within the triangle creates three smaller triangles, one at each point; these are filled with either horizontal or vertical lines which are perpendicular to the angle of the square. In the areas outside the triangle on each face are more designs, although these are rather ephemeral due to condition and abrasion. It is possible that these areas are filled with smaller pellets and incised lines that echo the central design. Around the outer edge of the central part of the toggle a continuous circumferential incised band is present; this is augmented with smaller triangular wedges to create a serrated design. A similar design is present on the upper and lower faces of the central element flanking the centrally cast hole.The two ends of the toggle have both suffered damage through abrasion, they both have cast circumferential grooves which have been augmented / deepened by chip carving / engraving. The terminal of the better surviving end seems to have a central diamond shaped (lozenge) panel with a series of pellets encircling it - this deign is very faint and only visible under raking light. The surface of the other terminal is lost.The toggle is a dark green colour with an abraded surface patina which has abraded in places. Where abrasion has occurred there is little sign of active corrosion.The toggle measures 37.4mm length, 13.6mm width, is 11.2mm thick at the centre and 12.0mm diameter at the terminals. It weighs 18.47 gramsA direct parallel has not been found for this example. Similar toggles have been recorded by Morna MacGregor. See: MacGregor, M. 1976. 'Early Celtic Art in North Britain'. no. 42 from Birrens and no. 45 from Wooden Eckford. Leicester University Press. Also Frank Basford has recorded a similar toggle from the Isle of Wight (IOW-D25FB7). However all these parallels have sub-rectangular holes through them and are best described as strap slide or harness gear. The fact that this example has a circular hole may suggest that it has a different function possibly to fasten either personal dress or possibly elements of horse harness together rather than act as a strap slide.