Late Iron Age copper alloy strap union

Complete strap union, comprising a cast copper alloy plate with a single wide strap on the reverse and right angles to the long axis of the artefact. The plate is tripartite in form, with a wide ovoid mi-section whose long sides expand to form two flat ended terminals with rounded edges. The upper plate is decorated with and elaborate late La Tene art design, highlighted in negative cut recesses containing large areas of inlayed red and yellow 'enamel'. The strap union has been broken into two pieces, possibly during or after recovery.

Bronze harness fitting, 60-120 CE. Decorated with red and yellow glass in the Celtic La Tène style.

There was a powerful connection between warriors and their horses. Elite warriors used their chariots to display their high status. They used exquisite bronze work decorated with red glass in their horse harnesses and chariot fittings. Objects such as this give us a glimpse of the people who waged war with an invading Roman army, 1,950 years ago.

SC5.6

Collection Area

Archaeology & Numismatics

Item Number

2007.31H/1

Find Information

Site Name: Maindy Camp, Rhondda Cynon Taff

Collection Method: metal detector

Date: 1984 - 1985

Acquisition

Donation, 1/10/2007

Measurements

(): length / mm:116.8

(): width / mm:53.6 (end)

(): thickness / mm:5.9-6.7

(): weight / g:264.3

(): width / mm:7.2 (at centre)

(): width / mm:65.1 (end)

Material

bronze

Techniques

enamelled

Location

St Fagans Gweithdy gallery : Celtic Art

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Bronze Age Gold from Wales