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Iron Age copper alloy plaque

Circular, with an eccentric circular hole. The broad portion of the lunette thus formed shows repoussé decoration, a triquetra flanked by extended lobes. Four large holes, surrounded by faint circular lines, suggest the former presence of ornamental studs, two on either side of the circular opening and two in the roundel below it. Seven smaller holes, scattered unevenly round the margin of the plaque, appear to have held nails or rivets.

Crescentic-shaped plaque of bronze. It is decorated with a Celtic or La Tène art design. It was once fixed to a larger flat object. 200 BCE-50 CE.

The three-limbed design, or triskele, was skilfully hammered up from the reverse side. This is one of the most important examples of Celtic art from Britain. Archaeologists think this flowing, enchanting art communicated powerful religious messages to Iron Age people.

WA_SC 11.1

Iron Age copper alloy plaque
Image: By permission of Amgueddfa Cymru — Museum Wales
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Collection Area

Archaeology & Numismatics

Item Number

44.32/75

Find Information

Site Name: Llyn Cerrig Bach, Cae Ifan Farm

Collection Method: surface find
Date: 1942-1943

Notes: Found during the construction of an airfield at RAF Station Valley. Some certainly, the rest probably, from a wet meadow which formed the margin of Llyn Cerrig Bach. The exact depth below the grassy surface at which the objects were deposited is not known. The bog was excavated to a maximum depth of 20 feet. A few objects were found on the spot, after the peaty deposit had been won from the boggy margin of the lake. The rest, with the exception of 44.32/58, were found on that portion of the adjacent aerodrome on which the peat from this site had been spread. Animal bones were associated with the deposit and many metal objects were stained with vivianite.

Acquisition

Donation, 3/2/1944

Measurements

diameter / mm:181.0
diameter / mm:98.0 x 96.0 opening
weight / g:80

Material

copper alloy

Location

St Fagans Wales Is gallery : Llyn Cerrig Bach

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