BRACELET

Cast copper alloy penanular (open) bracelet or armlet dating from the Later Iron Age or early Roman (Romano-British) period (300 BC - 100 AD). The bracelet has been turned in upon itself, so that the two terminals now overlap, and the band of the bracelet has been slightly compressed. In plan the bracelet is an irregular oval shape and in profile it is broadly sub-rectangular. The body of the bracelet is a uniform with and thickness, but the terminals taper in width and slightly expand in thickness. The bracelet measures 33mm length and 32.6mm width. The body of the bracelet is 9mm high and 2.1mm thick, the terminals of the bracelet are 3.8mm high and 3.1mm thick. The true internal diameter of the bracelet cannot be assessed. It weighs 11.8 grams. The outer edge of the bracelet is decorated with a relatively complex cast and ribbed design which extends to the terminals; the internal surface of the bracelet is pain and undecorated. The design on the front face expands from the terminals and consists of a series of three domed bands delimitated by V shaped cast recesses which are further decorated by an interlaced design. This design repeats on both the upper and lower edges and consists of a curvilinear band formed from opposing semi-circles to form a serpentine pattern. The identity of the design is lost when it approached the terminals where the design merges to form one single recessed line that extends to the tip of the terminal. There is no other evidence of decoration on the terminals. The bracelet is a mid dark green brown colour with an even (but slightly abraded) patina which covers all surfaces. The abrasion and movement in the soil have resulted in the bracelet becoming slightly misshapen. The abrasion has also removed limited areas of the thick patina revealing the metal beneath. Movement in the soil has also caused a slight crack in the metal which has suffered from a light green corrosion product. The size of this bracelet is relatively small and this would suggest that it probably belonged to either a small adult or a child. The overall style and decoration of the bracelet suggests a later prehistoric / Iron Age date although the style itself is difficult to date due to the longevity of the overall form. A direct parallel with the same shape in plan and decorated terminals has not been found. However, similar dated examples have been suggested by Katie Hinds (FLO Wiltshire) with similar cast decorative designs. Thanks are extended to Katie for the information and time provided with finding parallels.