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Celtic Strap-Junction. Circa, 100 BC - 100 AD. Copper-alloy, 97.81 grams. 75.21mm x 65.37mm. A
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Description
Celtic Strap-Junction. Circa, 100 BC - 100 AD. Copper-alloy, 97.81 grams. 75.21mm x 65.37mm. A magnificent piece of Celtic metal work of the highest quality. The main body formed of two large opposing crescents, which meet at their tips to form a broadly circular outer frame. These have themselves been ornamented ornately, with each crescent demonstrating two adjacent large circular cells or collets at their mid-points which project above the main body of the outer frame. Each of these was originally inlaid with a single domed insert of imported red coral, though now only three survive. Despite some cracking and degrading this coral is still preserved very well. From the outer edge of each cell running towards the tapering ends of the crescents, an arcing incised bisecting line is present in low relief, this feature itself being strongly reminiscent of La Téne decoration. On both edges of the frame either side of the point where the crescents conjoin, two thickset projecting circular lugs set perpendicular to the frame are visible. The outer circumferences of the lugs themselves are decorated with incised parallel lines either side of a raised central ridge on their outer edges, consisting the terminals that cap the offset rectangular sectioned strap-bar between them. Inside the outer frame four conjoined circular bosses are laid out in a lozengiform pattern (one at each cardinal point of the object), their rounded edges forming a central sub-rectangular aperture. These are each opposing pairs, with two located at the junctions of the outer frame and the other two arranged opposite each pair of collects, though interestingly each is of a slightly different size which serves to give this inner element of the object a slightly irregular appearance. Each of these bosses would originally have held a long copper-alloy rivet, though now only one of these survives complete with the other three being preserved only partially. The heads of these rivets have themselves been decorated with a series of minute raised circles, giving a dimpled appearance. Similarly to the outer collets, these rivets would originally have secured domed red coral inserts. Only one of these has been preserved. In contrast to the ornate decoration present on the upper surface of the object, the underside is completely plain. Preserved in extremely good condition with a dark green patina that in places lightens to a mid greenish brown. Recorded on the PAS database as: SUSS-F35BF5.Ref: Taylor and Brailsford's (1985) publication details a number of different strap unions, though this example can be broadly assigned to their Type 4- which is dated from the first century BC to the first century AD (Taylor and Brailsford 1985, 267). No exact parallel can be found, though an example they illustrate from Caister by Yarmouth, Norfolk (Taylor and Brailsford 1985, 268, fig. 13 no. 45) is the closest match for this piece, demonstrating an outer frame of crescents (though there are no collets) with centrally riveted internal circular 'bosses' in a lozengiform arrangement. A small number of similar strap unions are present on the PASdatabase (see records LIN-643B3D and SF-0A04F3), though none of them match this example insofar as its size and elaborate appearance are concerned. These objects were clearly designed to join two separate straps together at a junction point, though excavated examples are point to both use as horse-gear and for fastening garments (Taylor and Brailsford 1985, 267-268). The size and solidity of this example, however, suggests the former attribution is more appropriate.
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Celtic Strap-Junction. Circa, 100 BC - 100 AD. Copper-alloy, 97.81 grams. 75.21mm x 65.37mm. A magnificent piece of Celtic metal work of the highest quality. The main body formed of two large opposing crescents, which meet at their tips to form a broadly circular outer frame. These have themselves been ornamented ornately, with each crescent demonstrating two adjacent large circular cells or collets at their mid-points which project above the main body of the outer frame. Each of these was originally inlaid with a single domed insert of imported red coral, though now only three survive. Despite some cracking and degrading this coral is still preserved very well. From the outer edge of each cell running towards the tapering ends of the crescents, an arcing incised bisecting line is present in low relief, this feature itself being strongly reminiscent of La Téne decoration. On both edges of the frame either side of the point where the crescents conjoin, two thickset projecting circular lugs set perpendicular to the frame are visible. The outer circumferences of the lugs themselves are decorated with incised parallel lines either side of a raised central ridge on their outer edges, consisting the terminals that cap the offset rectangular sectioned strap-bar between them. Inside the outer frame four conjoined circular bosses are laid out in a lozengiform pattern (one at each cardinal point of the object), their rounded edges forming a central sub-rectangular aperture. These are each opposing pairs, with two located at the junctions of the outer frame and the other two arranged opposite each pair of collects, though interestingly each is of a slightly different size which serves to give this inner element of the object a slightly irregular appearance. Each of these bosses would originally have held a long copper-alloy rivet, though now only one of these survives complete with the other three being preserved only partially. The heads of these rivets have themselves been decorated with a series of minute raised circles, giving a dimpled appearance. Similarly to the outer collets, these rivets would originally have secured domed red coral inserts. Only one of these has been preserved. In contrast to the ornate decoration present on the upper surface of the object, the underside is completely plain. Preserved in extremely good condition with a dark green patina that in places lightens to a mid greenish brown. Recorded on the PAS database as: SUSS-F35BF5.Ref: Taylor and Brailsford's (1985) publication details a number of different strap unions, though this example can be broadly assigned to their Type 4- which is dated from the first century BC to the first century AD (Taylor and Brailsford 1985, 267). No exact parallel can be found, though an example they illustrate from Caister by Yarmouth, Norfolk (Taylor and Brailsford 1985, 268, fig. 13 no. 45) is the closest match for this piece, demonstrating an outer frame of crescents (though there are no collets) with centrally riveted internal circular 'bosses' in a lozengiform arrangement. A small number of similar strap unions are present on the PASdatabase (see records LIN-643B3D and SF-0A04F3), though none of them match this example insofar as its size and elaborate appearance are concerned. These objects were clearly designed to join two separate straps together at a junction point, though excavated examples are point to both use as horse-gear and for fastening garments (Taylor and Brailsford 1985, 267-268). The size and solidity of this example, however, suggests the former attribution is more appropriate.
Historica, Coins, Banknotes & Antiquities. 2 day Auction. - Webcast Only. Collection By Appointment
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