HARNESS FITTING

An incomplete, copper-alloy, probable strap-mounted terret of Roman date, about AD 43 - 200.

The terret comprises a main ovate ring of which about two thirds survives. The ring has a tapering ovate section and the narrowest part is missing. The opposite side of the frame is the base and is straight. The frame is very worn and corroded, but slightly irregular area on the flat base are probably where a rectangular loop descended by which the terret would be attached to the strap. The terret is undecorated. Much of the original surface layer is missing. It survives in some places as a smoother brown layer over the light green core. It is 22.7mm long, 32.8mm wide and 10mm thick. 12.8g.

Compare LIN-C636F3 which is classified as a Lewis type 19.

Terret rings were used as rein guides on chariots or carts used during the Late Iron Age to Early Roman period. They were set in a line along the yoke and five terrets were usually used per chariot. This suggested function is supported by evidence of wear or fractures on many examples. The rein passes through the central body of the terret, the large, roughly circular main ring - and the smaller rectangular or U-shaped loop projecting beneath the main ring was bound or slotted into the yoke. While they are relatively common finds there is no known evidence for their manufacture in Britain. It is possible though that such objects were made in Britain rather than imported (Lewis, 2015, p.112).

Lewis, A.S.G. (2015) Iron Age and Roman-era Vehicle Terrets From Western and Central Britain: An Interpretive Study. Leicester: University of Leicester.