IRON AGE MOUNT

-200

A copper-alloy mount of probable Late Iron Age to early Roman date.The object takes the form of an anthropomorphic male face. The facial features adorning the domed upper surface are realistically moulded. The lentoid eyes are deeply set; above are low eye-brows which extend into a pronounced nose; the small mouth is situated between the vertical arms of a large, bushy moustache, while the lower half of the face is bordered by a beard; the cheeks are prominent; on top of the head are two small, horn-like protrusions, between which is a furrowed brow. At the centre of the hollow reverse is a mark, probably indicating the position of a former rivet.The surfaces of the object are corroded. It measures 21.1mm high, 20.9mm wide and 7.1mm deep. The weight is 6.71g.A close parallel for this piece, found in Hertfordshire, is recorded on the PAS database - see BH-EF1D17. Horned anthropomorphic heads are a common feature of European metalwork and sculpture during the Iron Age - cf. a 4th to 3rd century BC finger-ring from Lahost, Czech Republic (Megaw 1970: no. 88). In Britain, such traditions may well have continued into the early Roman period.