ANKLET

Copper alloy ankle ring or armlet. Cast oval section Armlet of oval or vesica form with a sharply curved profile. It bears moulded low relief decoration only on that side within the curve. This comprises triple bands of tiny lozenges flanking more heavily billeted ribs, these being situated at four equidistant positions: at either end and at opposed points half way between them. Between the ribs, further decoration comprises eight groups of long triangles set in threes, with a large pellet in the base each triangle and a similar pellet at its apex. These run along the decorated side of the armlet, with an undecorated field between the points of each set. The triangles are themselves embellished with further billeted decoration, and the central triangle of each set is distinguished by a ring of eight small pellets or petals around its apical pellet.

The overall impression is exotic, but the brownish tint argues against its being very old. It is too elaborate for a manilla - ring money ingots were normally made in simpler penannular form, and usually at one seventh the weight of this example. Dr Kevin Leahy kindly notes the distinctive curved profile is characteristic of 'goda bala' anklets from Orissa in India. The object may be a 'hippy shop' import or a tourist souvenir. Suggested date: Modern, 1970-2010.

Length: 142mm, Width: 96mm, Thickness (at ribs): 15.8mm,